Kitui Governor Julius Malombe has officially inaugurated the County and Sub-County Alcoholic Drinks Control Committees.
These bodies, established under the Kitui Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2014 and its 2024 amendment, aim to regulate the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol in the region.
Formalized under Gazette Notice No. 4782 of April 2025, the committees are tasked with enforcing licensing, inspecting outlets, and ensuring compliance with legal standards.
Governor Malombe emphasized the importance of protecting minors and curbing the health and social impacts of alcohol abuse.
“The law prohibits alcohol outlets within 300 metres of learning institutions,” Malombe noted, referring to both the national Mututho Laws and the county’s legislation.
He also stressed adherence to legal bar operation hours—between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
A county survey revealed that out of 2,208 alcohol outlets, only 847 had licenses, leaving 1,361 operating illegally.
The new committees are expected to streamline licensing processes and crack down on unlicensed and illicit alcohol dealers.
The county committee, chaired by former Police Commissioner Stanley Tito Kilonzi, comprises nine members, while each of the eight sub-counties will have a seven-member committee. Governor Malombe urged committee members to be vigilant and committed to safeguarding public health and safety.
The move marks a significant effort by the county to strike a balance between generating revenue from alcohol sales and ensuring responsible consumption and community protection.
