Ten bars and clubs shut down in Eldoret city for operating near schools and hospitals

Police and county officials inspecting ethanol seized in Eldoret city

More than 10 clubs and alcohol joints have been shut down in Eldoret for operating illegally near schools and hospitals.

The Director of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Board in Uasin Gishu county Koiya Arab Maiyo said the establishments were closed following inspections that found they were flouting regulations governing their location and operations.

Licences previously issued to the clubs have been withdrawn and owners asked to relocate.

“We will not allow anyone to flout regulations, which clearly stipulate minimum distances from public institutions,” Maiyo said.

He warned that the sale of illicit alcohol has been on the rise, prompting the formation of a multi-agency task force to crack down on illegal dealers.

All clubs and entertainment joints in the region will undergo fresh vetting ahead of the next financial year’s licensing process.

Maiyo said authorities, in collaboration with security agencies, Kenya Revenue Authority, National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Kenya Bureau of Standards are working to curb illicit alcohol and drugs, particularly targeting youth in local colleges.

“We have a large population of college students in Eldoret and we will not allow anyone to profit by endangering their lives,” he said.

The crackdown is being enforced by police who have arrested several suspects and seized consignments of ethanol along major highways.

The National Police Service county police commander Benjamin Mwanthi said more than 28 containers were seized along the Eldoret–Kapsabet route, with another 35 along the Eldoret–Bungoma road.

Mwanthi warned vehicle owners against transporting illegal consignments, noting those involved would face arrest and the seizure of their vehicles.

Investigations have linked the illegal ethanol trade to prominent individuals, though only transporters have been charged so far.