Nairobi bar owners and alcohol traders could face fines of up to Sh200,000 for breaching licensing and operating regulations under a proposed county law seeking to tighten control over the sale, distribution and consumption of alcoholic drinks in the capital.
The Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Bill, 2026, dated July 2026, proposes fixed penalties for a range of offences, including selling alcohol to intoxicated persons, operating outside licensed hours and obstructing enforcement officers.
The proposed penalties are contained in the Bill’s Third Schedule and would apply if the legislation is enacted.
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Business and Hustler Opportunities Lydia Maithya, while appearing before the Culture Committee, defended the proposed measures, saying they are intended to strike a balance between enforcement, public safety and the interests of legitimate alcohol businesses.
Sh200,000 top penalty
The highest proposed penalty, Sh200,000, would apply to unauthorised manufacture, distribution or supply of alcoholic drinks.
Operating contrary to the category or class of licence issued would attract a proposed Sh150,000 fine, while selling alcoholic drinks without the required approval or licence would also attract Sh150,000.
Selling alcoholic drinks outside approved licensed premises would attract a proposed Sh100,000 penalty.
“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,” Maithya said.
Sh30,000 penalties
The Bill proposes a Sh30,000 fine for allowing drunkenness or violent, disorderly or riotous conduct on licensed premises.
A similar penalty would apply to selling alcoholic drinks on prohibited days or during prohibited hours.
Sh20,000 offences
The Bill proposes a Sh20,000 fine for selling or supplying alcoholic drinks to an intoxicated person.
Other offences attracting the same proposed penalty include failing to comply with a licence term or condition, including requirements relating to entertainment and promotions.
Businesses could also face the Sh20,000 penalty for selling alcohol at an event without a temporary or event licence, or conducting promotions, sampling or tasting of alcoholic drinks without the required authorisation.
Entertainment or promotional activities conducted contrary to approved licence conditions would also fall under the proposed Sh20,000 penalty.
Sh15,000 penalties
The proposed legislation would impose a Sh15,000 fine for selling, permitting the purchase or consumption of alcohol, or keeping premises open outside licensed days or hours.
The Bill also proposes penalties for transferring or assigning a licence, or allowing another person to use it, without the required consent.
Push for tighter regulation
The proposed legislation comes amid continuing concerns over alcohol abuse, underage drinking, disorderly conduct and the operation of unlicensed establishments in Nairobi.
County officials say the proposed framework is intended to strengthen enforcement while promoting responsible alcohol consumption and improving public safety.
“Overall, the county seeks to promote responsible alcohol consumption and improve public safety,” Maithya said.
The Bill will be subject to the county legislative process, including consideration and approval by the Nairobi City County Assembly, before it can become law.
For alcohol businesses, the proposed changes could significantly increase the financial consequences of operating outside licence conditions if the Bill is passed in its current form.