Your have right to continue operating as the licensing process is still on, says county government official
The Mountain Journal
Murang’a bar owners demonstrated unity in pushing the local county government to allocate operating licenses.
More than 3,000 liquor outlets operators assembled at the Mothers Union Hall where they pleaded with Governor Irungu Kang’ata to issue them with licenses after their applications were rejected.
Led by Murang’a Bar Owners Association Chairman Simon Jogoo and Boniface Gachoka, the members said the issues that blocked their application are flimsy and should not be relied upon.
“ It is a pity that hundreds of the employees are at risk of going home if the licenses will not be renewed,” said Jogoo.
In the licensing process, the sub county committees approved 1,033 outlets for licenses out of the 3,000 applicants.
Photo/ Murang’a Bar Owners Association Chairman Simon Jogoo addressing the press after the county government allowed those whose license applications were rejected to appeal.
During the deliberations, chaired by deputy county secretary Bernard Wanyoike there was a misunderstanding on the payment of Sh10,000 to facilitate re inspection.
“The amount demanded for re inspection of the outlets is too much and we shall not pay,” added Jogoo.
Gachoka, a member of the National Bar owners Association said several counties have approved licenses.
“Closure of the outlets will send home more than 200,000 people employed in the entertainment industry,” said Gachoka.
Minutes after Wainyoike made an announcement that Governor Kang’ata has waived the re-inspection fee, and allowed them to lodge an appeal online.
The appeal will be electronic to ensure fairness and those who will not be able can submit hand written details at the sub county headquarters,” said Wanyoike.
Andrew Thuo, a resident in Makuyu, expressed anger over the licensing process saying politicians were settling scores with their rivals.
“ Am a victim as a politician asked the police to have my bar closed over my political affiliation.
We the traders feel the battle on illicit brews has lost direction as energies by the deputy president Rigathi Gachagua target bars selling licensed products,” said Thuo. Traders from Maragua sub county led by former Maragua MP Peter Kamande and Andrew Thuo called for a structured process in the licensing procedure to avoid politicians taking advantage.
Kamande said administrators were harassing bar owners whose applications were rejected.
“The situation is getting out of hand as the administrators are being misused to settle scores,” said Kamande.
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