Bar owners angry over Sakaja order on clubs

Bar owners in Nairobi have termed the decisions by Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration to eject nightclubs from residential areas as counterproductive.

Bar, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BHALITA) said the county government’s decision is unfair and could lead to loss of jobs and business. “This may also open a window for county inspectorate officers to start collecting bribes from their establishments,” said BHALITA Secretary General, Boniface Gachoka.

In a notice, county secretary Jairus Musumba (right) said they will no longer issue or renew licences for nightclubs operating in residential areas due to noise pollution. 

“Those already issued are hereby cancelled and the establishments may only continue operating as bars and restaurants,” he said, adding that the establishments will only be allowed to operate within specified times.