Kiambu bar owners have blamed high levies charged by county government for the sell of illicit liquor in the area.
According to Jane Wahu, a bar operator in Kiambu town, most bar owners have closed their businesses and retorted to sell of illicit brew due to high permits.
“Illegal brew is not regulated by law, making it easier to operate as it does not require a licence. Unless the rates of permits are revised, the consumption of illicit brews will flourish,” said Wahu.
The bar owners say that the Nacada licences are high, pushing many operators out of the legal trade and forcing them to go for cheaper illegal trade.
John Kagwi, another bar operator said those bar owners who have been pushed out of the industry by high cost of permits find it easier to carry out the outlawed sell of illegal liquor to make ends meet and escape the levies.
“The outlawed liquor goes for as little as Sh10, which is pocket friendly, a glass of chan'gaa of Sh10 is enough to make anyone 'high’,” said Kagwi.
He further blamed high prices of beer and poverty, which have made low-income earners to resort to illicit brews.
He however urged Kiambu administration to step up the fight against consumption of the illicit liquor saying many young men have lost lives as a result of this liquor.