Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-04 15:34:31
A businessman in Nairobi has recently issued a demand letter to Governor Johnson Sakaja regarding the directive to close liquor stores near public transport terminus. The letter, dated March 4, was sent by the businessman’s lawyers and accused Sakaja of targeting transport hubs while neglecting other social amenities like schools and rehabilitation centers when issuing the directive. The businessman claimed that the county boss had ulterior motives other than the reasons he stated for the directive.
The demand letter gave Sakaja 48 hours to lift the directive or face legal action at the High Court’s Constitutional Human Rights Division. The businessman emphasized the need for immediate and unconstitutional admission of liability along with the lifting of the directive within the stipulated timeframe.
The businessman further criticized Sakaja for implementing the directive without public participation, which goes against the constitution. He noted that the directive was causing financial losses to legally licensed businesses that had authorization from the City County and the Liquor Licensing Board. The businessman also highlighted the lack of consultation with affected parties before the policy decision was implemented.
The crackdown on liquor stores near public transport terminus was initiated to address the issue of road accidents associated with the city’s public transport sector. On February 23, Sakaja instructed City inspectorate officers and the Nairobi County Liquor Department to close all drinking dens near bus stations to prevent drivers and touts from consuming alcohol while on duty.
Since the enforcement of the directive began, over 120 liquor stores have been shut down, and some of their owners have been arrested. The affected businesses, which were operating legally and compliant with regulations, have suffered financial losses due to the sudden closure.
The demand letter to Governor Sakaja highlighted the need for constitutional adherence, consultation with affected parties, and proper consideration of the impact of policy decisions on businesses before implementation. The businessman urged the governor to lift the directive and exempt all compliant businesses within the stipulated timeframe to prevent further financial losses and legal action.
Overall, the demand letter underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and fairness in governance, especially when implementing directives that impact businesses and livelihoods. It calls for a collaborative and consultative approach between policymakers and stakeholders to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of all parties involved.
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