Kajiado County Government has laid down strategies of cushioning residents amid persistence of Covid-19 pandemic in Kenya.
Governor Joseph Ole Lenku said this was in line with recommendations of a task force he formed a while back.
The interventions will largely benefit those in the hospitality industry.
“Having considered job losses and economic struggles being experienced by traders in the food and entertainment Industry, I have decided to adopt the recommendations of a taskforce I formed recently to review how we can support bars and restaurants recover from the COVID 19 pandemic,” Ole Lenku said.
The governor directed that a 50 per cent waiver be effected on all licenses payable to the Kajiado County Alcoholic Drinks Control by bars and restaurants for 2021/22 Financial Year.
Application fees payable to the County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board was suspended for the 2021/22 Financial Year.
“I direct that licences falling under the same department be harmonized and merged for ease of payment and administration,” Ole Lenku said.
He also directed that the Kajiado County Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (2014), be amended.
This will provide for board membership to include representatives of bar and restaurant owners from each of the Sub Counties.
Bars and restaurants will operate for two hours earlier within their respective working hours.
“I am convinced these measures will assist the business community in the food and entertainment industry in their recovery process from the pandemic,” he said.
“It will also help them retain their current staff and recall those who may have lost their jobs.”
FEATURED PHOTO: Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku addressing the press during the release of the report by the taskforce he formed to review how the county government can support bars and restaurants recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. PHOTO/Courtesy.
