Over 4,500 new applicants seek bar, liquor licenses in Murang'a

Murang'a County Police Commander Ali Nuno speaks after coordinating a raid on liquor outlets. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]

Crackdown on substandard liquor has continued in Murang'a, with seven liquor outlets now closed.

Murang'a County Police Commander Ali Nuno said in the operations carried out in Murang'a East and Murang'a South sub-counties, more than 50 crates of substandard liquor were confiscated.

"The liquor outlets stocked products that lacked the certification required by law. Most brands are transported from Kirinyaga, Embu and Nairobi," said Nuno.

The raid followed hues and cries from the public over the increased number of liquor outlets in the county frequented by youth.

Nuno said the issue of bars was a major concern in the county where there are 2,291 outlets, with another 4,500 seeking fresh licenses this year.

Kahuro sub-county has 85 bars, Murang'a South 487, Kigumo 319, Kandara 377, and Kangema 156. Other licensed bars are in Ithanga 139, Gatanga 267, Mathioya 207, and Murang'a East 354.

Peter Kamau, a resident of Kiria Ini, called on the county government to act, saying there were more bars than schools in Murang'a.