The new measures include an immediate halt to raids targeting liquor businesses, an end to the arrest of DJs and a ban on confiscating sound equipment during enforcement operations.
The announcement followed a meeting between Sakaja and representatives of the Nairobi liquor and entertainment industry on Wednesday, November 11, where stakeholders raised concerns about their treatment by county enforcement officers and police.
According to the resolutions reached, revellers should also be protected from harassment, particularly during night operations targeting entertainment establishments.
The county further agreed to introduce stricter procedures for handling noise complaints. Residents and property owners who report excessive noise will now be required to provide evidence to support their claims.
However, establishments found to have violated existing regulations will still face appropriate action through established legal and administrative procedures.
In another significant development, City Hall has opened a 14-day consultation period to engage industry players over entertainment and event taxes introduced under the 2026 Finance Act.
The county has also encouraged bar and nightclub operators to embrace LiquorPay, its digital platform for processing liquor licences and renewals.
To address complaints of extortion and harassment by unauthorised personnel, Nairobi County has published a list of 364 approved inspection officers deployed across its 17 sub-counties.
The officers will be responsible for supervising businesses, collecting revenue and enforcing compliance at ward level.
Starehe and Kamukunji have each been allocated 28 officers, while Mathare also has 28. Other areas include Ruaraka with 19, Makadara with eight and Langata with five.
The deployment is expected to improve accountability, seal revenue collection loopholes and prevent impostors from exploiting entertainment businesses.
The latest intervention signals a fresh approach by Sakaja's administration as it seeks to balance the interests of Nairobi's entertainment industry, residents and the county's revenue collection targets.
https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/129312-nairobi-halts-night-raids-opens-14-day-bar-tax-talks
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