Bar owners and alcohol sellers in Nandi have decried the tough economic times they are facing following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive to have all bars and entertainment joints closed to combat the spread of the Coronavirus. In his address to the nation a week ago, President Kenyatta extended the closure of bars and pubs for a further 30 days, and warned those operating against the order. However, licensed eateries and restaurants were once again allowed to sell alcoholic drinks.
Speaking in Kapsabet town led by their spokeperson Joseph Keter, the bar owners and alcohol vendors said they are going through a crisis and are not able to provide for their families. They’ve urged the government to grant them the opportunity to operate under strict Health Ministry guidelines, adding that they’ve been patient for more than five months now.
They lamented that the move to close all the bars and entertainment joints has led to an emergence and upsurge of illicit brew dens especially at the grassroots. They noted that the illicit liquor isn’t suitable for consumption. Coupled with the directive on extended closure of bars, bar owners were also urged to set up protocol to ensure the safety of their customers once reopened, “In the next 30 days, bar owners, in consultation with the Ministry of Health will develop self-regulating mechanisms as part of their civic responsibility to their clientele, in order to allow their resumption,” said President Kenyatta.