DP Gachagua: Directive to open bars at 5pm and close at 11pm will allow Kenyans to build houses

Speaking during the signing of the Affordable Housing Bill at State House on Tuesday, Gachagua said that with the new law, Kenyans will be afforded the opportunity to work in construction sites and abandon the drinking dens until the designated hours.

"You (President Ruto) have guided us that people should not drink during the day. Now we have an opportunity because there will be employment for people to go and work," said Gachagua.

"For the avoidance of doubt bars will open at 5 pm and close at 11 pm. The rest of the time let's go and work, build houses and provide shelter for our Kenyan people."

The second-in-command further lauded President William Ruto for championing the creation of affordable homes for low-earning Kenyans, terming it a monumental step in helping the government to actualize its development agenda.

With the Affordable Housing law in place, Kenyans will now contribute 1.5% of their monthly pay to the Housing Levy and a similar amount from their employers.

The operational guideline is stipulated in Section 34 of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act which dictates that bars should open at 5 pm and close at 11 pm during weekdays and operate from 2 pm to 11 pm on weekends.

Last week Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki warned that any perpetrators will be heavily fined or jailed if found flaunting the regulation.

Gachagua has been at the forefront of flushing out all drinking dens in the nation which he has linked to the rising consumption of illicit brews and drug substances that have cost the lives of many.