Johnson Sakaja has appointed philanthropist and entertainment powerhouse Mike Rabar as the new Chairperson of the Nairobi City County Liquor Licensing Board, signaling a strategic push to tighten regulation and modernize the capital’s multi-billion shilling alcohol industry.
Rabar, the founder and driving force behind Homeboyz Entertainment, assumes the influential role on a three-year contract. Widely regarded as a pioneer in East and Central Africa’s entertainment and communications space, he brings decades of leadership experience spanning media production, event management, and digital innovation.
Governor Sakaja’s decision places a seasoned industry operator at the helm of a board tasked with enforcing the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2014—a framework central to regulating the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol across Nairobi.
Rabar’s appointment comes at a time when the county is grappling with challenges including illegal alcohol trade, non-compliant outlets, and enforcement gaps. His track record in managing complex, high-stakes operations is expected to inject fresh momentum into oversight and compliance efforts.
Beyond his entertainment empire, Rabar has also served in continental football circles, including roles linked to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and AFCON Kenya region initiatives. Notably, he led Kenya’s delegation during the recent regional games in Rwanda, showcasing his administrative acumen on the international stage.
However, his new role marks a decisive pivot toward public service, with a focus on safeguarding consumers and restoring order in Nairobi’s expansive alcohol ecosystem.
As chair, Rabar will oversee licensing, registration, and compliance of bars, restaurants, and liquor outlets—from the CBD to residential estates. His responsibilities include enforcing operating hours, ensuring adherence to safety standards, and cracking down on illicit brews.
A key pillar of his agenda is expected to be the rollout and scaling of digital solutions such as the Liquor Pay platform—an innovation aimed at enhancing transparency, streamlining licensing, and curbing revenue leakages.
The board will work closely with the National Police Service and county inspectorate units to strengthen enforcement mechanisms. This coordinated approach is intended to tackle counterfeit alcohol, unlicensed operators, and breaches of public safety regulations.
Rabar will be deputized by Judith Nyangi, while Rhoda Otieno serves as Chief Executive Officer. Otieno will handle day-to-day operations, policy implementation, and spearhead crackdowns on illegal sales, while also driving the adoption of technology in monitoring and compliance.
With Rabar at the helm, Nairobi’s liquor business operators are on notice. The new leadership is expected to enforce stricter compliance with licensing laws, operational timelines, and product authenticity standards—measures aimed at protecting consumers and restoring credibility in the sector.
As Nairobi continues to expand, the success of this appointment could redefine how counties regulate high-risk industries—balancing economic growth with public health and safety.
