Kidero signs Alcoholic Drinks Bill into law

By SOPHIAH MUTHONI and RAWLINGS OTIENO

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has signed three bills into law, including the Alcoholic Drinks and Licensing Bill.

The signing of this Bill comes in the wake of hundreds of deaths due to consumption of illicit brews, which prompted the National Authority for Campaigns Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) to direct county governments to fast track implementation of the Bill to curb the vice.

 “The Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Bill has been adapted to address all aspects of alcoholic drinks selection, preparation, storage, distribution, sale and consumption,” Dr Kidero said during the signing ceremony.

He said the new laws were in line with national laws and policies and would ensure that matters such as drinking hours, alcohol content as well as licensing of outlets was regulated at county level.

The Act is expected to complement Nacada’s efforts, which include assisting and supporting county governments to develop and implement policies, laws and plans of action on control of drug abuse as well as co-ordinate and facilitate public participation in the control of alcohol and drug abuse.

The Bill stipulates that the governor will be mandated with the responsibility of appointing a chairperson for the Alcoholic Drinks Licensing Control Board. Other members of the board will be drawn from various departments of both the national and county governments. Regulation at sub-county level will be done by committees set up at that level.

Other Bills signed by Kidero include Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Bill and the  Supplementary Appropriation Bill.

The Gaming Bill is expected to ensure that the national policy is implemented at county level. The chairperson of the Betting and Licensing Board will be picked by the governor.