Get or renew a Kirinyaga County liquor (alcoholic drinks) licence
County Government of Kirinyaga · sources read 3 Oct 2026
Apply to the county Director of Alcoholic Drinks Control at any time of year, with your details, the premises' plot number and proof of payment. A bar pays KSh 22,500 a year in major towns, KSh 20,000 in medium centres and KSh 18,000 in shopping centres, and every licence expires on 31 December.
- Fee
- KSh 22,500General retail licence (on bars): major urban townsKSh 20,000General retail licence (on bars): medium urban centresKSh 18,000General retail licence (on bars): shopping centresKSh 41,250Bar and restaurant licence: major urban townsKSh 40,000Bar and restaurant licence: medium urban centresKSh 39,000Bar and restaurant licence: shopping centresKSh 60,000Hotel alcoholic drink licence (all areas)KSh 50,000General retail off licence (all areas)
- Deadline
- 31 Dec 2026 Licences expire on 31 December each year, so renew before then.
- Deadline
- 31 Oct 2026 By 31 October the Director invites applications for the coming year, with a deadline. You can still apply at any time of year.
- Where
- County Government of Kirinyaga, Directorate of Alcoholic Drinks Control. Bills and payments: Kiripay (epay.kirinyaga.go.ke), M-Pesa, partner banks, or county revenue offices in Kerugoya (next to DC office), Wanguru, Kianyaga, Baricho, Sagana and Kutus (County HQ). Email revenue@kirinyaga.go.ke.
What you need
- Your details as the applicant
- Plot number and physical address of the premises
- Signed declaration that you won't sell illicit alcoholic drinks
- Evidence that you paid the prescribed fees
Steps
- Apply to the county Director of Alcoholic Drinks Control in the prescribed format, with your details, the premises' plot number and address, a signed declaration and proof of payment.
- Your application is published for public comment, then the sub-county alcoholic drinks committee inspects your premises.
- The county committee approves successful applicants, and the Director issues the licence once you pay the licence fee.
- Get a bill and pay through the county's Kiripay system (epay.kirinyaga.go.ke), M-Pesa or partner banks, or at a county revenue office.
Watch out
- Premises within 300 metres of a nursery, primary or secondary school are normally refused, as are bars in residential buildings.
- You won't get a licence while you owe arrears from earlier years.
- A bar (on licence) may sell only from 5pm to 11pm on weekdays, and 2pm to 11pm on weekends and public holidays.
Who can apply
- Adults over 18 who meet the Act's requirements and have no conviction under it (or any offence with more than six months' jail).
- Not open to county public officers or National Government Administration Officers.
Official sources (2)
- The Kirinyaga County Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2024 (Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 4, Kirinyaga County Acts No. 4) kirinyaga.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Revenue Management kirinyaga.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026