Governor Sakaja Hailed For Banning Directive To Restrain Night Operations Targeting Nightclubs and Bars

The national association of bar, hotels and liquor stores (BAHLITA) and the Medium Liquor Traders Association (MELTA) in Nairobi have hailed Governor Johnson Sakaja’s directive restraining city inspectorates from night operations targeting nightclubs and bars.

BAHLITA’s national secretary general, Boniface Gachoka, said the move will not only see their businesses flourish but will also protect their investments.

“We appreciate the Governor of Nairobi for listening to the plights of our 7,000 Nairobi BAHLITA members and making a Solomonic decision of protecting our investment and passionate, hardworking and respectful employees ranging from managers, supervisors, DJs,” Gachoka said.

He also said they have been engaging the county government on cases of harassment from inspectorates that have been reported in the past.

BAHLITA has promised to cooperate with Sakaja’s administration to ensure that their members follow the law.

“We promise to adhere to all the laws and guidelines set and negotiate whenever there are challenges and to adjust according to the negotiated settlements. Through consultations and collaborations we see a mutual benefit relationship that will bolster investors’ confidence and growth,” he said.

The association also stated that it has sought a financial partner and an environmental expert who are helping their 54,000 members countrywide to fast-track and manage the issue of noise pollution.

Further, BAHLITA has announced a pilot campaign in Nairobi in partnership with “Lipa License, Hepa Stress” aimed at enabling compliance.

In a similar approach, MELTA chairperson Frank Mbogo said the Governor’s emphasis on ensuring compliance without resorting to unnecessary harassment is a commendable approach that recognizes the importance of a balanced and fair regulatory framework.

“As stakeholders in the bar and nightclub sector, we pledge our cooperation to ensure that all our members abide by the guidelines of sound pollution, uphold the laws and regulations set forth by the county,” Mbogo said.

The directives by Governor Sakaja have been welcomed by the bar and liquor industry, which has been a target of harassment by city inspectorates in the past. The move is seen as a step towards ensuring a conducive environment for businesses to operate and grow.