Gachagua Issues Directive to Governors on Licensing Bars

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua called on all governors to review the licensing of bars and restaurants in the counties which he noted had deficiencies.

Speaking during the launch of the Affordable Housing Project in Kiambu County on Thursday, January 18, Gachagua noted that the devolved units had numerous entertainment joints that were open for 24 hours.

He indicated that the youth were the most affected as they had access to liquor throughout the day.

"We want to appeal to our governors to sit down and agree that they cannot licence each and every bar and restaurant to sell for 24 hours. It is wrong," he stated.

President William Ruto hosts the East African Community (EAC) Council of Ministers at State House, Nairobi on January 17, 2023.

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Gachagua, therefore, proposed that the county bosses should only license one bar and restaurant in major towns across the country.

"Even if you are looking for revenue, you cannot do it at the expense of our children. Let us just have one restaurant in a big town that sell for 24 hours.

"You guys have given licenses everywhere and they are open until morning and that is one of the problems," he added.

On his part, President Willian Ruto indicated that national government administrators would work jointly with the county governments to deal with those selling illicit brew.

"We must ensure that we do not sacrifice our children at the expense of money. We will work together on that," he stated.

The licensing of bars has been debated in recent weeks, in particular, in Nairobi county where Governor Johnson Sakaja ordered the closure of entertainment joints in residential areas.

He noted that many families had been affected during the night due to noise pollution.