This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
On June 26, 2020, the Bars, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association voiced its opposition to the proposed tax, citing concerns that it would make the beer too expensive for low-end consumers and drive them to illicit brews.
According to statistics from the East African Breweries, illicit brews account for 44% of the total alcohol industry in Kenya, with 490 million litres consumed annually.
The traders also want the government to allow bars and clubs to reopen, albeit partially, pledging to abide by government regulations to stem the spread of Covid-19 in their business premises.
“We are appealing to the government to consider allowing bars to sell takeaways. We have brands such as wines/spirits, canned beer that can be sold on takeaway basis,” said Charles Nasieku, national vice chair of the Bars, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association.
Joseph Kamau, chair of the Narok Bar Owners Association, expressed fear that lack of clear reopening plan exposed them to competition from the black market.
“Protocols published by the Industrialisation ministry on reopening the economy failed to include bar operations,” said Kamau.
