Kirinyaga bar owners raise concerns over proposed licensing regulations

Frederick Kinyua, the chairperson of Kirinyaga Bar Owners Association, addressing journalists on August 29, 2025

Bar owners in Kirinyaga County have expressed opposition to a proposed law aimed at streamlining the sector, citing limited public participation during its drafting.

The traders argue that the Kirinyaga County Alcoholic and Drinks Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2024, include provisions that could negatively impact their businesses.

Frederick Kinyua, chairperson of the Kirinyaga Bar Owners Association, stated that the bar owners were not consulted.

One of the disputed provisions requires the director in charge of the Directorate of Alcoholic Drinks Control to sign and stamp bar licenses before issuance.

“We want the licenses to continue being signed by the chairperson of the alcoholic drinks control board, as has been the practice for years,” Kinyua said.

Another clause requires restaurants to separate areas for alcoholic drinks and meals.

Traders argue that this is impractical, as many customers prefer to have their meals and drinks in the same space.

The draft regulations also stipulate that applicants for bar and restaurant licenses must submit layout plans showing: designated washrooms for women and accessibility for persons with disabilities; separate areas for serving food, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages; storage areas; and the presence of fire extinguishers.

Premises must be well-lit during the day and at night, using natural or artificial light.

“All designated areas shall be labelled with plastic or wooden tags and separated by either a full or half wall, permanent or temporary,” the draft states.

Kinyua expressed concern over penalties in the proposed regulations, which include a Sh1 million fine, a two-year jail term, or both for non-compliance.

He also noted a clause that allows penalties to be doubled upon conviction.

He urged Governor Anne Waiguru to meet with bar owners to resolve the contentious issues before the regulations are tabled in the county assembly.

Nicolas Kiragu, the association’s coordinator, said the proposed regulations could threaten the viability of many businesses.

He also highlighted a petition submitted to the county government requesting that all signed licenses be available at sub-county offices to avoid the need to travel to the county headquarters.