The government has introduced a proposal to reduce the number of bars in certain areas of Nyeri as part of its strategy to combat widespread alcoholism.
Nyeri County Commissioner Josphat Biwott emphasized that this initiative aims to limit the growth of drinking establishments that have transformed some towns into continuous drinking environments.
Addressing the media in Nyeri on Wednesday, Biwott clarified that this measure does not intend to undermine legitimate businesses but seeks to regulate alcohol consumption in rural areas.
His remarks followed the unfortunate deaths of four men in Gatitu trading center, Nyeri Township, who reportedly consumed toxic brews at a local bar.
Biwott noted that it remains premature to determine whether the deceased were victims of alcohol until a postmortem report is available.
“After discussions with Governor Mutahi Kahiga, we have decided to shut down all bars in Gatitu, which currently hosts over 30 establishments. From March 16 to March 23, we will conduct a thorough vetting of all bars in the area, in collaboration with the County Liquor Licensing Board. Ultimately, we will register only 10 or fewer bars that meet all necessary requirements,” he stated.
The commissioner also cautioned operators of unlicensed drinking venues and those selling counterfeit alcohol to cease operations before law enforcement intervenes.
Biwott reaffirmed that the fight against illicit brews and drug abuse stems from a directive by President Dr. William Ruto, and they will rigorously implement this initiative despite any pushback from those benefiting from the current situation.
“In December, following the Presidential directive on tackling rampant alcoholism and substance abuse, we convened with the Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, along with the County government. We identified counterfeit alcohol as a significant threat in this battle. We are actively vetting establishments, and those lacking licenses will face closure,” he added.
Biwott also revealed that the investigation into two truckloads of suspected counterfeit beer seized in Gatitu in January is nearing completion. Once the contents are verified, the Directorate of Public Prosecution will pursue charges against the owner before bringing the case to court.
The multi-agency team conducting this crackdown plans to engage with beer manufacturers and distributors to address the issue of counterfeit brews in the region.
“We have recognized that identifying genuine alcoholic beverages remains a significant challenge. We are organizing a meeting with our distributors, as they assert that the counterfeit contents in their branded bottles do not belong to them, even though the bottles are their property,” the commissioner explained.
On Monday, Nyeri Governor Dr. Mutahi Kahiga mandated the immediate closure of all bars in Gatitu following public concerns regarding the rampant sale of illicit alcohol in the area.
During a public baraza attended by local security agencies, the governor instructed the County Alcoholic Drinks Control Licensing Committee to revoke all bar licenses for immediate re-evaluation.
“I am deeply concerned. The time for discussions and strategizing has passed; now is the time for enforcement. While we deliberate, our community continues to suffer, with individuals succumbing to alcohol-related deaths,” Kahiga expressed.
The visibly frustrated governor also ordered a reduction in the number of bars in the center to a maximum of 10, as part of comprehensive efforts to combat illicit and counterfeit alcohol in the area.
He questioned how a small shopping center, home to fewer than 20,000 residents, could sustain nearly 30 bars and liquor outlets.
