The Murang’a County government has approved less than half of the applications for liquor outlets.
Speaking during celebrations to mark Madaraka Day held at Kahuro grounds yesterday, Governor Irungu Kang’ata said his administration received 2,970 applications for liquor outlets.
He noted that during inspection they found 2,103 bars, but after verification they approved only 1,303 liquor outlets.
Dr. Kang’ata said members of the public have the opportunity to challenge the approved bars within a period of seven days.
He further noted that those whose applications were rejected also have the opportunity to appeal to the county liquor board.
The reduction of bars, Dr. Kang’ata said, will assist in fighting increased alcoholism, which has affected many young people in the area.
“The list of approved bars is on the county portal and is accessible by members of the public. If you feel a bar was approved wrongly and has been a nuisance to the community, you have a chance to send your concerns using the county email address within a period of seven days,” he said.
“Those whose applications were rejected can also approve, and the county liquor licensing board will check all the complaints and act accordingly,” he added.
Murang’a County in the recent past has witnessed an influx of bars, something that has led to abuse of alcohol, especially among young men.
Dr. Kang’ata said the fight against counterfeit alcohol and illicit brews, which is being spearheaded by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, will bear fruits if all stakeholders are committed to the exercise.
He asked security officers led by County Commissioner Patrick Mukuria to intensify their crackdown on those contravening liquor laws.
“Our security officers now have a clear list of those licensed. We request that they apprehend and prosecute those who open their bars before the stipulated time and those who extend hours late. This war must be successful,” he further stated.
The governor averred that the licenses will be printed online, asking those who applied to check the status of their application in the county portal.
“We have launched a portal where those who sent their applications can check if they sailed through or were rejected. Once approved, the successful applicants are supposed to make payment for their license online,” Kang’ata noted.
In a rejoinder, the county commissioner praised the move to reduce the number of bars, saying security officers will strive to do reinforcement. “No one will be allowed to operate a bar outside the stipulated time. Once caught contravening the liquor laws, your license will be canceled,” he said.
Mukuria asked members of the public to support the war against illicit and counterfeit brews, saying the menace has been a big problem in the county. “People have lost their lives due to problems associated with alcohol, and we have to work towards ending this problem,” he observed.
Meanwhile, Kang’ata lauded the intensified collection of revenue in the county, saying the funds have helped his administration implement various projects.
“Locally collected revenue has helped us to pay county staff on time, support renovation of ECDE centers, provide porridge for ECDE children, and upgrade roads within major shopping centers,” he said.
“The provision of subsidies for mango and dairy farmers will continue considering the money has increased earnings for the local farmers,” noted the governor.
By Bernard Munyao and Joy Musyoka
