Bars, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association (BAHLITA) members in Nakuru on Wednesday March 26, 2025 held their Annual General Meeting(AGM) with calls on both County and National governments to ensure fair ground for their businesses to thrive.
The meeting brought together members from all the 11 sub counties of Nakuru County.
Addressing press after the meeting BAHLITA National Secretary General Boniface Gachoka called on government at both levels to ensure fair ground for their businesses which is a source of livelihood for many Kenyans who are employed both directly and indirectly.
He was however quick to laud the county government of Nakuru under the leadership of Governor Susan Kihika for supporting the industry through lowering of license fee.
This, he said will enable the industry resuscitate from the scars of COVID-19 pandemic that saw many businesses shut down.
“We want to thank the county government of Nakuru through CECM for trade for the good representation of our grievances that has seen us have a good environment for business. We had issues with how we can pay for our licenses but we thank God that all is well now and we can do our businesses,” stated Gachoka.
Gachoka also sounded a stern warning to individuals who have been running some liquor outlets without licenses or selling cheaper liquor and substandard.
He lauded the cooperation that has been there that saw the shut down of DEFCO at Nakuru Show ground.
At the same time, the BAHLITA SG called on President William Ruto to intervene and ensure that the DEFCO at Nakuru State House is shut as it is a threat to bar owners in Nakuru.
Another outlet that BAHLITA is up in arms against is that which Gachoka said has been opened at Naivasha GK Prison.
According to him, that is illegal and that anyone involved in illicit brew business shall be dealt with to pave way for licensed genuine bar owners to go on with their businesses.
“As BAHLITA we are saying our members are not in anyway involved in illicit brew. Infact we are in the war against the same and anyone involved should face the law,” he stated.
This even as BAHLITA members in Nakuru called out a section of police officers and chiefs who have been harassing them in their businesses.
According to Gachoka, only Officer Commanding Station(OCS) with a rank of Chief or chief inspector has a right to enter a bar and question anything relating to the business.
The focus by the security team he said should be on fighting counterfeit liquor which statistics show it stands at 40 percent(40%) which is much higher.
“We shall be partnering with both government to ensure no ethanol by some individuals. We want to address the menace from the root cause. All officers and chiefs harassing legit bar owners will face EACC soon and answer to issues to do with corruption,” stated Gachoka.
On his part Nakuru County Executive for trade, tourism and culture Stephen Kuria revealed that the county government has given the bar Owners time upto May for them to pay for licenses.
In addition, The bar licenses fee shall not be increased to allow businesses thrive.
The issue of harassment by some police officers, Kuria was categorical that will be a thing of past as agreed.
“Under the leadership of Governor Susan Kihika, we believe in liquor sector as that which does great to the revenue and we shall ensure conducive environment for the same,” he stated.
The CECM further added that the liquor businesses shall not operate near schools and health facilities.
The meeting was also attended by representative of the County Police Commander and Francis Njoroge from Political Office of Governor Kihika.
