Nairobi: October 30, 2024
The Nairobi City County Government’s Liquor Department today held its first stakeholder’s forum for Embakasi West Sub-County at the Umoja 1 Swimming Pool Hall.
The event, organized by the Nairobi County Liquor Board, aimed to foster co-operation, ensure adherence to local regulations, and address pressing community concerns regarding liquor sales and environmental impact, marking a significant step toward improving collaboration between liquor outlet owners, county officials, and regulatory bodies.
Embakasi West Sub-County Administrator, Seline Ogalo spoke on the need for lawful and responsible operations, emphasizing the importance of partnership between liquor outlet owners and the community. “We are here to strengthen our relationship through updates on recent policies and to hear your feedback,” she stated. “Let’s maintain positive competition, remain mindful of community concerns, and comply with Nairobi City County, NACADA and public health guidelines.”
Embakasi West Environment Officer Leslie Karwega spoke on noise pollution, waste management, and the importance of maintaining a clean environment around liquor establishments. “For a healthy environment, bar and restaurant owners should provide garbage collection services and keep their premises and surrounding areas clean,” Karwega advised. “Noise reduction is a responsibility we all share,” Karwega continued. If your establishment is in a residential area, soundproofing and regular noise audits are necessary to ensure harmony with residents.” Liquor outlets owners were also encouraged to soundproof their premises in compliance with the Nairobi City County Nuisance Act of 2021.
Veronica Kisuli, Nairobi Liquor Licensing Board Officer, facilitated the presentation on the Liquor Act and related laws, liquor fees, and charges, providing liquor outlet owners with detailed insights into the Liquor Act and related regulations. She focused on the different licenses available for varying bar sizes, explaining that fees and charges are set according to these classifications to ensure fairness across establishments. Kisuli emphasized that, as a prerequisite to obtaining a liquor license, owners must secure a Unified Business Permit (UBP), a new requirement introduced by H.E. Governor Johnson Sakaja to streamline business operations within Nairobi County. This initiative, she noted, aims to enhance accountability and ease the licensing process for liquor business owners.
Dr. Lydia Mwangi from the County’s Sinai Rehabilitation Centre addressed stakeholders on the health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. She emphasized the importance of selling alcohol only to individuals over 18, as well as maintaining personal integrity and responsibility. “Take care of your customers and advise them responsibly,” she urged, encouraging outlet owners to prioritize mental health awareness and to engage in legitimate business practices that support community well-being.
The meeting addressed critical measures for preventing illegal liquor sales and ensuring outlets sell only authorized products. Business owners were advised to engage responsibly with enforcement officers and avoid the use of counterfeit licenses and products. Compliance inspections, particularly concerning hygiene and health standards, were also stressed as essential to ensure justice for customers.
Led by the Nairobi City County Liquor Board, this forum is part of a larger effort to establish stakeholder meetings across all 17 sub-counties. Key discussions included updates on the zoning and nightclub policies, liquor fees, and noise pollution regulations, as well as a review of the Nairobi Liquor Act.
The platform offered open dialogue, it emphasized the county’s commitment to a well-regulated and community-conscious liquor industry. The Nairobi Liquor Board plans to roll out similar forums in the other 16 sub-counties to strengthen partnerships and ensure ongoing compliance across the city liquor laws.
In attendance were Joseph Muiruri, Board member Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board, Winnie Kuria Chairperson Sub-County Liquor Committee, Shadrack Busienei County Enforcement Officer, Diana Aluoch Liquor Licensing Officer Embakasi, Mr. Ronaldo area MCA, Ward Liquor Administrators, Public health officers, and Liquor Outlet Owners.
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