Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has has authorised the reopening of bars in the county, which have undergone thorough vetting and have been issued new liquor licenses. The reopening will commence today, Friday, February 23, at 5 pm.
Waiguru disclosed that the county government conducted a comprehensive verification process for approximately 700 liquor outlets across Kirinyaga County.
Based on the findings of the verification team, some bars were recommended for reopening as they met the necessary standards, while others were advised to close due to non-compliance with liquor licensing regulations.
This decision comes just a week after the immediate closure of all liquor outlets in the county was ordered following the tragic deaths of 17 individuals suspected of consuming alcohol laced with ethanol in Kangai and Kandongu villages in Mwea West.
“We are in the process of issuing documentation and licenses today so that they can start operating this evening,” Waiguru stated.
The Governor emphasized that bars failing to meet licensing requirements must comply before being granted a license. She asserted the county’s unwavering commitment to eliminating illicit alcohol and unlicensed bars.
Waiguru, also serving as the Chairperson of the Council of Governors, emphasized that no bar would be permitted to operate without meeting health and safety standards.
“For those that have not met the requirement or have not been licensed, the process will continue. Some have not met the standard, and they have been informed of the necessary steps, including the regulation of alcohol quality,” she explained.
Waiguru issued a stern warning to bar owners against selling unauthorized liquor, highlighting the county government’s readiness to shut down non-compliant establishments and take legal action against offenders. She stressed the importance of bar owners ensuring they only stock authorized brands that meet Kenya Bureau of Standards regulations.
The Governor announced the launch of a campaign dubbed “Fichua Pombe Haramu” (Expose Illicit Alcohol), encouraging residents to report cases of illicit brewing and sale through a toll-free line (0800721812) and an SMS number (0759674392). This initiative aims to combat the manufacture and sale of illicit brews through community involvement and information sharing.
