Sakaja orders crackdown on rogue county inspectors, bans night raids on Nairobi bars

Sakaja said the county would designate inspection teams across all 17 sub-counties to end multiple and uncoordinated visits by officers, some of whom allegedly intimidate business operators under the guise of enforcing regulations.

Speaking during a meeting with liquor and entertainment industry stakeholders at Charter Hall, City Hall, the Governor warned that only officers appearing on the official list and carrying valid identification would be permitted to inspect establishments.

He also directed that inspections be conducted through coordinated teams drawn from relevant county departments to improve accountability and prevent businesses from being subjected to repeated enforcement operations.

The Governor further ordered an end to disruptive night raids on entertainment establishments, particularly operations targeting DJs and revellers over noise complaints.

He said officers should document complaints involving noise pollution and public nuisance before taking action against the establishment's owner through established procedures, instead of confronting customers and entertainment workers during business hours.

“Our licensing relationship is with the business owner, not the DJ or revellers. If there are complaints of noise or public nuisance, officers should gather evidence and deal with the establishment owner the following day,” Sakaja said.

The directives come amid longstanding complaints from players in Nairobi's liquor and entertainment industry over enforcement practices, licensing requirements and the cost of operating businesses.

Sakaja also announced a 14-day consultation period between the county government and industry representatives to address concerns over entertainment and event taxes introduced under the Nairobi City County Finance Act, 2026.

He said the consultations would allow both sides to examine the disputed tax measures and agree on a way forward before implementation arrangements are finalised.

The Finance Act has also reduced annual liquor licence fees for small and medium-sized establishments.

Bars with seating capacity of up to 30 customers will now pay KSh25,000, down from KSh100,000, while establishments accommodating between 31 and 100 customers will pay KSh35,000, also reduced from KSh100,000.

The reductions represent a 75 per cent cut in licence fees and are expected to ease operating costs for smaller businesses.

Trade and Hustler Opportunities Chief Officer Lydia Mathia urged operators to use the county's LiquorPay digital platform to apply for licences and make payments directly, saying the system was intended to eliminate brokers and unnecessary intermediaries.

Meanwhile, Trade and Hustler Opportunities County Executive Committee Member Anastacia Nyalita said the engagement was aimed at addressing persistent challenges facing the industry and improving cooperation between the county administration and business operators.

She said the county wanted to create a predictable regulatory environment that would support businesses, protect jobs and increase the sector's contribution to Nairobi's economy.

Sakaja also urged business owners to maintain cleanliness around their premises through the county's 10-metre cleaning initiative and avoid illegal dumping.

Industry representatives welcomed the proposed reforms, saying they would improve the operating environment, particularly ahead of the festive season. They pledged to work with the county government to ensure compliance with regulations and maintain safe and orderly entertainment establishments.

The meeting brought together liquor and entertainment industry representatives, county executive committee members and senior officials.