MOMBASA, Kenya, Apr 17 – Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri has urged the newly inaugurated Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board and Sub County Liquor Licensing Committee not to harass bar owners during the dispensation of their duties.
Speaking during an induction session in Mombasa, Muchiri underscored the need for the two bodies to work for the betterment of Nairobi
“Governor Sakaja and I are committed to restoring order in the city of Nairobi. One way of achieving this is by controlling the proliferation of entertainment joints in residential areas. You have a very huge responsibility on your shoulders of ensuring you carry this vision. Let us not hear reports of this team harassing, intimidating, and extorting from bar owners. Let us work for the betterment of Nairobi,” he stated.
Muchiri encouraged the board members to execute their mandate of ensuring the implementation of the liquor act and county government policy on liquor licensing.
He added that they should also advise the county government on the control and licensing policy on alcoholic drinks and oversee the conduct of the sub-county committees.
“We expect with this committee that we shall not have to deal with complaints and calls from Nairobi residents who can’t sleep yet those outlets are licensed,” he said.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor welcomed the sub county members and urged them to take the opportunity with a lot of keenness in order to make Nairobi work.
He pointed out that the Alcoholic drinks control and licensing board is a key pillar in Governor Sakaja’s government’s wider strategy to mitigate noise pollution, licensing, and regulating the sale of alcohol Nairobi.
The Constitution of Kenya 2010 as well as the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Act 2014; Establishment of the Board and functions; Establishment of Sub-County committees and their function; Establishment of Liquor fund and it’s use which includes Education, sensitization of the general public on the effects of alcohol dependency and rehabilitation of those dependent on alcohol.
Devolution and the Devolved system; Communication, Report writing and etiquette; Processing of Applications for Licensing and Types of Licenses; Inspection and enforcement procedures; Practical experience and finally the conduct of Sub-County committee.
Hustler and Business Opportunity County Executive Rosemary Kariuki urged the new team to ensure that they put an end to noise pollution menace as well as bars operating in residential areas and also ensure that licenses are given to the right areas and businesses.
The Boards’ immediate business will be to map out all the bars, restaurants, and clubs in the city to ensure compliance with set guidelines by the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board.
This will be the fourth liquor board since the function was devolved from the National Assembly.
