The government will strictly enforce the new directives pertaining to the opening and closure of bars and restaurants.
Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho on Saturday said operators should not lower their guard much as some measures were relaxed to extend the business period.
He said Covid-19 is still wreaking havoc, hence all guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health should be followed to the letter.
“Ours will be to enforce what has been provided. We want to make sure that the premises are operating according to the directives. Our officers, for example, will ensure that bars operate between 5pm and 11pm during the week and from 2pm to 11pm during weekends.”
Kibicho further urged county governments to be at the forefront of ensuring adherence to regulations regarding alcohol sale and distribution as bar operation is a devolved function.
“The health and well-being of the people should come first. County governments should, therefore, not prioritise revenue and massive issuance of licences at the expense of the health of the people.”
He also called on bar operators to sell products that meet standards and reiterated the government’s commitment to intensifying the ongoing rapid result initiative to curb the supply, sale and consumption of illicit brews.
The PS advised Kenyans to be responsible alcohol consumers to avoid causing inconveniences and untold suffering to others.
He at the same time assured of the government's support in ensuring the smooth running of the ongoing national voter registration.
“Our role in the exercise is security provision, issuance of IDs to facilitate smooth registration and to ensure where the exercise is taking place is conducive.”
He also noted that they would this week engage with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to embark on early preparations for the 2022 General Election.
Some of the highlights of the meeting would touch on the processing of IDs, peace maintenance during the elections and poll results integrity.
Kibicho spoke at Gathuthi-ini Primary School in Ndia, Kirinyaga county. He urged parents to be role models for their children.
He lamented the rise in child abuse and indiscipline among minors, saying early pregnancy, incest and juvenile delinquency had shot up at an alarming rate during the long school holiday due to Covid-19.
Much as the government has a role in cracking down on those violating children's rights, parents, guardians and communities have even a bigger role in ensuring children maintain high moral standards, he said.
