By Samson Wire
The Johnson Sakaja administration has rolled out a fresh campaign to restore sanity in Nairobi’s liquor sector following the induction of a new Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board chaired by businessman and Homeboyz Entertainment founder Mike Rabar.
The induction, held at the Kenya School of Government, signals a renewed county crackdown on illegal alcohol outlets, underage drinking, and rogue nightclubs operating within residential estates.
The newly constituted board brings together senior officials from the Regional Commissioner’s office, the National Police Service Nairobi region, NACADA, and the county’s public health department in what City Hall says is a coordinated effort to professionalise and regulate the liquor business in the capital.
Speaking during the induction, Nairobi Chief Officer for Business and Hustler Opportunities Lydia Mathia said the county was determined to “start right” by ensuring all board members fully understand their legal mandate under the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act.
“As they often say, things don’t go wrong—they start wrong. We want to start right. This induction is designed to ensure that all members clearly understand their roles, the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, and how to work in harmony with the secretariat and enforcement agencies,” said Mathia.
The county government expressed concern over the rapid rise of unregulated liquor outlets across Nairobi, warning that businesses operating without licences will soon face closure once the current compliance window lapses.
Mathia urged alcohol manufacturers, distributors, bars, wines and spirits operators to regularise their operations through the county’s Liquor Pay licensing platform, saying the administration intends to clearly distinguish compliant businesses from illegal operators.
“We are in a season of compliance. Take advantage of the current moratorium on enforcement and ensure you are on the right side of the law,” she said.
She further assured licensed traders of protection from harassment, noting that the county government, working jointly with the office of Regional Commissioner S.K. Mahano and security agencies, would provide a fair and orderly business environment.
Mahano reaffirmed the national government’s support for the board, saying close cooperation between county enforcement teams and national security agencies would be critical in restoring order within the sector.
The appointment of the new board comes amid mounting public concern over rising alcohol abuse, late-night noise pollution, and the mushrooming of liquor outlets in residential neighbourhoods across Nairobi.
City Hall now hopes the new team led by Mike Rabar will usher in stricter enforcement, improved accountability, and responsible alcohol trade practices while protecting legitimate investors from unfair competition posed by illegal operators.
