New Nairobi Bill to regulate sale of alcohol

Some shops, such as wine and spirits outlets, have been suspected of selling alcohol without age restrictions. [Courtesy]

Nairobi County is set to tighten regulations on alcoholic drinks in a Bill that seeks to safeguard public health.

The proposed Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Bill (Repeal), 2025 is currently being reviewed by the Sectoral Committee on Culture and Community Services.

On Thursday, Hustler Opportunities County Executive Member Anastacia Nyalita and Chief Officer Lydia Mathia met with the committee to deliberate on the proposals.

Speaking during the session, Dr Nyalita said the proposed law will strengthen regulation and promote responsible trade within the devolved unit. “This Bill introduces strong regulations to limit underage access to alcohol, regulate advertising to prevent exposure of minors, and enforce stricter compliance measures on traders,” she said.

The County Executive said consumers must be properly informed about the risks associated with excessive alcohol use, adding that transparent labelling and responsible advertising are key to protecting residents.

There have been public concerns about alcohol abuse and underage drinking, with some outlets flouting laws on the sale of alcohol.

Some shops, such as wine and spirits outlets, have been suspected of selling alcohol without age restrictions and even allowing customers to drink at the premises against the set regulations.

Counterfeiting is also a big problem, with genuine manufacturers seeing their sales drop as their brands are produced and shipped into the market illegally.

County Assembly Culture Chairperson Clarence Munga, who is the MCA for Kabiro Ward, said the Bill touches on saving lives in the city.

“We are not just tightening rules; we are shielding our children from predatory marketing and ensuring that a drink ordered online doesn’t turn into a medical emergency. Our neighbourhoods must be safe for families again,” said Munga.

Chief Officer Lydia Mathia reiterated that the county is committed to restoring order and dignity in the alcohol sector. “This Bill is about protecting our families, especially young people, from the harmful effects of alcohol abuse while ensuring that genuine traders operate in a structured and fair environment,” Mathia said.

Chair of the Liquor Board Myke Rabar noted that this is about levelling the playing field for legitimate, tax-paying businesses by ruthlessly targeting smugglers and counterfeiters

County Secretary Godfrey Akumali said the Bill will aid in the crackdown on the illicit alcohol trade.

The proposed law introduces firm measures to eliminate smuggling, counterfeit production, and illegal brewing practices that have previously exposed residents to unsafe products.