• Lydia Mathia says proposed Bill seeks to protect consumers, promote responsible drinking and create a fair, accountable environment for legitimate liquor businesses.

Nairobi City County is seeking to strengthen the regulation of the alcohol industry through a proposed new law that seeks to tackle counterfeit and illicit liquor, protect consumers and promote responsible business practices among liquor traders.

Speaking on the proposed Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 3 of 2026), Trade and Hustler Opportunities Chief Officer Lydia Mathia said the legislation is aimed at modernising the existing regulatory framework while addressing emerging challenges in the alcohol trade.

Mathia said the proposed law is not merely about tightening controls on liquor businesses, but also about protecting public health, safeguarding consumers and ensuring that legitimate traders operate in a transparent and well-regulated environment.

She explained that the reforms would strengthen licensing requirements, improve oversight of manufacturers, distributors and retailers, and intensify the fight against counterfeit and illicit alcoholic products that expose consumers to serious health risks.

“The essence of this Bill is to ensure that what reaches our consumers is safe, properly labelled and sourced through legitimate channels. We want to protect lives while creating an environment where compliant businesses can operate, grow and contribute to the city’s economy,” Mathia said.

The proposed legislation also seeks to address changing trends in the alcohol industry, particularly the growth of online alcohol sales and delivery services, which have created new regulatory challenges for county authorities.

Under the proposed framework, online alcohol businesses and delivery services would be brought under stronger regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with licensing requirements and safeguards against irresponsible alcohol distribution.

Mathia said the County was also concerned about underage drinking and irresponsible alcohol advertising, noting that stronger safeguards were necessary to protect children and young people from exposure to harmful drinking habits.

The Bill further proposes enhanced product labelling requirements, stricter oversight of the supply chain and greater public awareness initiatives on the dangers of alcohol abuse.

It also provides for the promotion of rehabilitation and support programmes for people struggling with alcohol dependency, recognising that the fight against alcohol abuse requires both enforcement and public health interventions.

For liquor traders, the proposed reforms are expected to provide a clearer regulatory framework, strengthen accountability and create a more level playing field by addressing unscrupulous operators who undermine legitimate businesses through the sale of illicit products and non-compliance.

Mathia said the County’s intention was to balance effective enforcement with the protection of livelihoods, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises operating within the hospitality and liquor trade sectors.

The proposed law is sponsored by Clarence Munga, MCA, who chairs the County Assembly’s Sectoral Committee on Culture and Community Services.

It was introduced in the Nairobi City County Assembly on April 21, 2026, and proceeded to the Second Reading on August 25, 2026. Assembly records indicate that it was subsequently committed to the Committee of the Whole County Assembly, with no record of final passage or the Governor’s assent as of November 5, 2026.

Once enacted, the legislation is expected to give the County a stronger legal and institutional framework to regulate the alcohol industry, protect consumers and promote responsible trade.

The proposed reforms come amid growing concerns over counterfeit alcohol, illicit liquor distribution and the public health and social consequences of alcohol abuse, placing greater emphasis on the need for collaboration between government agencies, traders, manufacturers, distributors and communities.

The County maintains that a properly regulated alcohol industry is essential not only for public safety but also for protecting legitimate investments, supporting responsible entrepreneurship and ensuring that businesses contribute positively to Nairobi’s economy.