NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has committed to enforcing the 300-metre distance regulation between schools and bars following a high-level meeting between Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo and representatives of the Bars, Hotels, and Liquor Traders Association (BAHLITA) on December 6, 2024.
The regulation, aimed at safeguarding school environments from alcohol-related distractions, has been under scrutiny due to reports of violations.
Stakeholders at the meeting raised concerns about schools being located close to bars, questioning the Ministry of Education’s inspection and approval processes.
“It was agreed that there should be better coordination between the Ministry of Education and local licensing authorities to ensure compliance,” BAHLITA stated in a report following the meeting.
To ensure adherence, BAHLITA announced plans to visit all 42 counties starting next week.
The visits will focus on verifying and documenting the compliance status of bars near restricted areas, including those that are unlisted.
Meetings with bar owners at county headquarters will also be held to clarify regulations, gather feedback, and address compliance challenges.
The association will compile a comprehensive report outlining observed discrepancies and recommended corrective measures.
Beyond compliance enforcement, the meeting identified the illegal importation of ethanol as a key driver of counterfeit and illicit alcohol, which undermines legitimate businesses and endangers public health.
Strengthening border surveillance and customs inspection processes was deemed a top priority, with stakeholders proposing harsher penalties for offenders.
“Counterfeit and illicit products pose significant public safety challenges. We need stringent tracking and authentication systems for alcohol production and distribution,” read the stakeholders’ resolution.
The group also called for partnerships with brand protection departments to enhance product authentication.
To address illicit trade effectively, stakeholders proposed training programs for enforcement officers, community leaders, and grassroots organizations.
Regular workshops and technical support initiatives will empower communities to identify and report illegal activities.
The meeting concluded with a recommendation to establish a task force to oversee the implementation of these resolutions.
PS Omollo emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies, industry players, and communities in addressing alcohol-related challenges.
“This is not just about compliance; it’s about protecting public safety and supporting legitimate businesses,” he said.
BAHLITA officials in attendance included National Chairman Simon Njoroge, Secretary General Boniface Gachoka, and representatives from several counties, signaling broad support for the resolutions.
The regulation, aimed at safeguarding school environments from alcohol-related distractions, has been under scrutiny due to reports of violations.
Stakeholders at the meeting raised concerns about schools being located close to bars, questioning the Ministry of Education’s inspection and approval processes.
“It was agreed that there should be better coordination between the Ministry of Education and local licensing authorities to ensure compliance,” BAHLITA stated in a report following the meeting.
To ensure adherence, BAHLITA announced plans to visit all 42 counties starting next week.
The visits will focus on verifying and documenting the compliance status of bars near restricted areas, including those that are unlisted.
Meetings with bar owners at county headquarters will also be held to clarify regulations, gather feedback, and address compliance challenges.
The association will compile a comprehensive report outlining observed discrepancies and recommended corrective measures.
Beyond compliance enforcement, the meeting identified the illegal importation of ethanol as a key driver of counterfeit and illicit alcohol, which undermines legitimate businesses and endangers public health.
Strengthening border surveillance and customs inspection processes was deemed a top priority, with stakeholders proposing harsher penalties for offenders.
“Counterfeit and illicit products pose significant public safety challenges. We need stringent tracking and authentication systems for alcohol production and distribution,” read the stakeholders’ resolution.
The group also called for partnerships with brand protection departments to enhance product authentication.
To address illicit trade effectively, stakeholders proposed training programs for enforcement officers, community leaders, and grassroots organizations.
Regular workshops and technical support initiatives will empower communities to identify and report illegal activities.
The meeting concluded with a recommendation to establish a task force to oversee the implementation of these resolutions.
PS Omollo emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies, industry players, and communities in addressing alcohol-related challenges.
“This is not just about compliance; it’s about protecting public safety and supporting legitimate businesses,” he said.
BAHLITA officials in attendance included National Chairman Simon Njoroge, Secretary General Boniface Gachoka, and representatives from several counties, signaling broad support for the resolutions.
