Nominated Senator Raphael Chimera has revealed his intent to amend the laws governing alcohol control in the country.
In a letter addressed to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Chimera sought permission to introduce a bill that would change the licensing and operation of nightclubs in the country.
As proposed by Chimera, nightclubs will be operating from 7 pm to 11 pm on weekdays.
During the weekends, the proposed amendments detail that the nightclubs should operate between 7 pm and 2 am.
"I wish to table before you a bill which seeks to tackle alcohol abuse in the country through the amendment of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010 to amend Schedule 4 of the Act more specifically part 5 (0) to read as follows: "...from Monday to Friday during the hours of 7:00 pm to 11.00 pm instead of "7:00 pm to 3.00 am," read the letter in part.
On the other hand, the Senator is also seeking to have the responsibility of liquor joint licensing reverted to the national government not as opposed to the county governments.
He detailed that the proposed changes were necessary given that alcohol abuse has become a concern in the country in recent months.
The Senator added that the amendments would also complement various efforts that had been made by the government in combating abuse of alcohol.
"As you are aware, alcohol abuse, as the excessive and unhealthy consumption of alcoholic drinks has become a major hindrance to the health, social and economic development of the people of Kenya," he stated.
"The Government of Kenya has made numerous efforts to tackle alcoholism which include but are not limited to the introduction of agencies such as NACADA to tackle the issue of alcohol and drug abuse, setting up treatment and rehabilitation centres across the country."
Notably, the move by the senator comes at a time when the national government is implementing policies to combat alcohol abuse.
Among the policies that are being undertaken across the country by the police is the removal of all alcohol outlets near learning institutions.
