Nairobi Governor Johnstone Sakaja says the county will tighten oversight of inspections and curb unnecessary night raids after meeting with liquor and entertainment industry representatives at City Hall’s Charter Hall.
Nairobi Governor Johnstone Sakaja has pledged tighter oversight of county inspections and an end to unnecessary night raids on entertainment venues, following a meeting with liquor and entertainment industry stakeholders at Charter Hall, City Hall.
“We agreed on key reforms to address longstanding challenges in the sector, protect businesses and improve the operating environment,” Sakaja said.
The county has published a list of authorised inspection officers across all 17 sub-counties. Inspections will be carried out by coordinated teams, and only officers with valid identification will be authorised to conduct them. Sakaja said officers found harassing business owners would face the law.
He also said DJs should not be arrested, sound equipment confiscated or revellers harassed over complaints that could be handled through proper procedures. Noise and public nuisance complaints, he said, must be backed by evidence, with action taken against the establishment’s owner.
On entertainment and event taxes introduced under the Nairobi City County Finance Act, 2026, the county has agreed to a 14-day consultation period with industry stakeholders to address concerns and agree on a practical way forward.
“Our goal is to build a fair and predictable business environment where the entertainment industry can thrive, create jobs and contribute to Nairobi’s economy,” Sakaja said.
He urged operators to use LiquorPay for transparent licensing and to keep the areas around their premises clean through the county’s 10-metre cleaning initiative.
