Sakaja Issues Fresh Directives to Businesses Selling Alcoholic Drinks

The Nairobi City County Government, under the leadership of Johnson Sakaja, has issued fresh directives to businesses dealing in alcoholic drinks, warning traders to comply with county licensing laws or risk losing their products.

In a notice issued by the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board on Friday, May 22, 2026, the county government said alcoholic drinks and related exhibits seized between November 29, 2021, and December 8, 2025, may soon be destroyed if owners fail to claim them within 14 days.

“NOTICE is given to the general public and to all persons who may have any interest in the alcoholic drinks and related exhibits that were seized by the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and licensing Board between 29th November, 2021 and 8th December, 2025 as per the published schedule on www.nairobi.go.ke for offences relating to the sale, storage and distribution of alcoholic drinks without valid licenses and in contravention of the applicable County laws,” read part of the notice.

According to the notice, the drinks were confiscated during operations targeting businesses accused of selling, storing, and distributing alcoholic beverages without valid licences and in violation of county regulations.

Sakaja Administration Issues 14-Day Directive

The county said the list of seized alcoholic drinks and exhibits has been published on the Nairobi City County website for affected traders and interested parties to review.

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Business owners have now been directed to appear before the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Directorate with proof of ownership. They are also required to settle all outstanding licensing fees, penalties, and storage charges within the notice period.

The Sakaja administration warned that failure to comply with the directive within 14 days will destroy the seized alcoholic drinks without further communication to the owners.

Nairobi County Pushes Digital Liquor Licensing

The latest directive comes months after Nairobi County launched the digital LiquorPay system aimed at simplifying liquor licence applications and improving transparency in revenue collection.

During the launch in January 2026, Chief Officer for Hustler and Business Opportunities Lydia Mathia said the automated platform was designed to reduce corruption, eliminate manual bottlenecks, and make it easier for traders to acquire licences online.

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In March 2026, Governor Sakaja praised the system, saying it had helped seal revenue leakages and increase liquor licence uptake within the county.

“The LiquorPay system continues to help seal revenue leakages in liquor business licensing. We have also seen an increase in licence uptake in the month of February, with over 1,000 additional licences issued, which is a significant improvement just a month after the launch of the LiquorPay system,” Sakaja reiterated.

County officials also noted that the online platform reduced hidden charges, improved efficiency, and allowed business owners to apply and pay for licences without physically visiting county offices.

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Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja makes an address at a past press conference outside City Hall. PHOTO/Sakaja