Nairobi bar owners and alcohol traders could face hefty fines for breaching licensing regulations under a proposed county law seeking to tighten control of the sale, distribution and consumption of alcoholic drinks in the capital.
The Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Bill, 2026, proposes fixed penalties for offences ranging from selling alcohol to intoxicated persons and operating outside licensed hours to obstructing enforcement officers.
The Bill, dated July 2026, proposes fines of up to Sh200,000 for certain offences as the county targets to raise it’s revenue collection while enforcing operational regulations.
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Business and Hustler Opportunities Lydia Maithya while appearing before the Culture Committee defended the proposals noting that they will help strike a balance between enforcement, public safety and the protection of legitimate enterprises.
Among the offences listed in the proposed Third Schedule is unauthorised manufacture, distribution or supply of alcoholic drinks, which attracts a proposed fine of Sh200,000.
Similarly,operating contrary to the category or class of licence issued would attract a Sh150,000 penalty, while selling alcoholic drinks without the required approval or licensing would attract Sh150,000.
The proposed law also targets the sale of alcohol outside approved licensed premises, an offence that would attract a Sh100,000 fine.
“The schedule is part of a broader effort to strengthen county enforcement of alcohol control regulations, with licensed establishments expected to comply with operating conditions and other requirements,” Lydia said.
The Bill further proposes a Sh30,000 fine for permitting drunkenness or violent, disorderly or riotous conduct on licensed premises.
The most interesting one to alcohol businesses is a Sh.20,000 fine to those selling or supplying an alcoholic drink to an intoxicated person.
The proposed schedule also provides for a Sh15,000 fine for selling, permitting purchase or consumption, or keeping premises open outside licensed days or hours.
Failure to comply with a term or condition of a licence, including conditions relating to entertainment or promotions, would attract a Sh20,000 fine.
The Bill also proposes a Sh100,000 penalty for selling alcoholic drinks outside approved licensed premises.
Event organisers are also not spared as the bill proposes that selling alcohol at an event without a temporary or event licence would attract Sh20,000.
Conducting a promotion, sampling or tasting of an alcoholic drink without the required authorisation would attract Sh20,000.
Their is also a proposal to penalties operations contrary to the category or class of licence issued and this would attract a fine of Sh150,000.
Selling alcoholic drinks during prohibited days or hours would attract Sh30,000 while conducting entertainment or promotions contrary to approved licence conditions would attract Sh20,000.
The Bill also proposes penalties for transferring or assigning a licence, or permitting another person to use it without the required consent.
The proposed law comes amid continuing concerns about alcohol abuse, underage drinking, disorderly conduct and the operation of unlicensed establishments.
” Overall, the county seeks to promote responsible alcohol consumption and improve public safety,” Maithya said.
