NIROBI, Kenya Nov 11 – Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has ordered sweeping reforms in the inspection of liquor and entertainment establishments, warning rogue County officers and impostors against harassing business owners and disrupting legitimate businesses.
Speaking during a Nairobi Liquor and Entertainment Industry Stakeholders’ Meeting at Charter Hall, City Hall, Sakaja said the County would publish an official list of designated inspection officers across all 17 sub-counties to end multiple, uncoordinated inspections and intimidation of business operators.
“We have competent officers within my administration, but unfortunately, some rogue staff and impostors have been harassing business owners. We have now decided to put an end to this by restructuring our inspection teams. We cannot have different officers moving around every day, harassing and intimidating business owners under the guise of conducting inspections. Only officers appearing on the official list and carrying valid identification will be authorised to conduct inspections,” Sakaja said.
He directed that inspections be conducted through a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach, bringing together designated officers from relevant departments to enhance accountability, transparency and predictability.
Sakaja also took issue with night raids on entertainment establishments, directing inspection teams to end operations that inconvenience revellers, arrest DJs and confiscate sound equipment over complaints that could be addressed through established enforcement procedures.
