In a concerted effort to address issues surrounding alcohol and betting in Nandi, the County’s Department of Trade, Tourism and Enterprise Development, held a series of Public Participation forums across the six Sub-counties for the public to give their input on the proposed Bills
The meetings aimed to gather views from the public and other stakeholders on the proposed Nandi County Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill, 2024 and Nandi County Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Bill, 2024.
The Bills seek to introduce tighter regulations in the alcohol and betting sectors, with measures intended to combat illicit alcohol trade, including unlicensed manufacturing and counterfeiting.
The regulations also propose stricter oversight of betting and gaming operators, to ensure fair business practices and protect consumers across the County.
Benjamin Kiprotich, Chief Officer from the Department of Trade, Tourism and Enterprise Development, emphasised the importance of public input in shaping the proposed legislation.
“These forums provide a crucial platform for residents to directly engage with government officials and have their voices heard in the bill development process,” he noted.
The forums also saw a strong turnout, with County Legal Officer, Chebet Ketter, commending residents for their active involvement.
She reassured the public that their contributions from all six Sub-counties among them Tinderet, Aldai, Mosop, Nandi hills, Emgwen and Chesumei would be integrated into the bills before they are tabled in the County Assembly for consideration.
The Directorate of Alcoholic Drinks Control reminded both new and existing vendors of the November 12 deadline for license applications for 2025.
Applications should be submitted at Sub-county offices, and the licensing process aims to further regulate alcohol trade in line with the proposed bill.
During a session in Tinderet, Directorate of Alcoholic Drinks Control Director William Melly cautioned the public about the dangers of illicit brews, reportedly sold in schoolbags in village areas.
“With the festive season approaching, we urge residents to be vigilant and licensed vendors to strictly adhere to regulations, including operating within the designated hours to ensure consumer safety,” Melly warned.
Feedback from vendors also highlighted optimism for the proposed legislation, with one vendor in Emgwen sub county applauding the County Government’s initiative to establish management committees for overseeing alcohol and betting activities.
He expressed hope that the committee’s work would lead to a reduction in illegal businesses and ensure greater accountability across the county.
The county’s commitment to including public feedback in the Bills reflects an ongoing effort to create safer communities and standardised business practices in the alcohol and betting industries in Nandi County.
The feedback from these forums will be compiled and reviewed before the proposed legislation advances to the County Assembly for further deliberation.
By Linet Wafula
