Kwale's mnazi traders want licensing deadline extended

Traders operating palm wine (mnazi) dens in Kwale County have asked the government for more time to reapply for licences, saying the one week given is insufficient.

Msambweni Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Josephat Mutisya earlier said that mnazi sellers have seven days to reapply for the permits, failing which they will be arrested and charged. He noted that as the nationwide crackdown on illicit brew takes place, the mnazi business will not be spared.

Following his announcement, traders raised their concerns on Wendesday, saying they were already suffering the effects of the crackdown.

"Our sales have been greatly affected following the countrywide crackdown on illicit brew, so we are requesting more time to recover," Mwinyihaji Mwakuzima, one of the traders, said, also asking the government to ensure local administrators do not harass them after they obtain the new licence.

He spoke on Wednesday at the Mvindeni Hall in Kwale after Mutisya made his announcement.

The DCC said the traders must register with the county liquor licensing board and obtain certification before conducting business.

"This move is to ensure that the traders do their businesses in a clean environment. The place must have running water and toilets," Mutisya said, accusing them of polluting the environment by urinating in open spaces, making them inhabitable due to the stench.

The assistant commissioner added that before licensing, the sellers must be thoroughly vetted. He noted that the government is committed to ensuring liquor stores and bars operate within the parameters of the law and sell recommended brands.

Kwale has about 4,000 mnazi sellers.

The county government legalised palm wine in response to traders' pressure to have the commodity recognised and valued, with the aim of increasing revenue collection and bringing sanity to the business.

However, traditional wine has been associated with social vices in the coastal region.

As such, the DCC cautioned the sellers against allowing children to operate the dens following cases where they helped serve customers and ended up as victims of abuse.

"We don't want any bar or mangwe (mnazi den) to operate near public institutions like schools," he added, saying they must follow public health directives and that traders must present themselves properly and work in conducive environments.

Mutisya said operators who do not follow the rules should consider other businesses, as the government will not back down in its fight against illicit brew, counterfeit goods, drugs and substance abuse.

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"The war has just started. There is no hiding. You must either comply with the regulations or leave and pursue other opportunities," the administrator said.

He urged the community to support the government's efforts to bring order to the sector by reporting those who break the law.

Kwale County Licensing Board Liquor Director Richard Onsongo urged the government to ensure mnazi sellers are not harassed after registering their businesses. He decried the practice of police officers harassing brew sellers despite their possession of business licenses.