Several alcoholic businesses operating within Kapsowar Town, Marakwet West Sub-County I. Elgeyo Marakwet County have been suspended for failing to meet approval guidelines.
Among those affected are Kapyoswo, Kalyet and East Inn bars.
The three were found to have failed the guideline test.
Which bars have been allowed to operate in Kapsowar Town?
According to the Elgeyo Marakwet County Government Director in charge of Alcoholic Drinks Control, David Kandie, it is only: Arawa Bar, Smartlife sacco Bar, Oasis Bar and Restaurant and Talic Supermaket Wines and Spirits which were allowed to operate.
The decision was made on Tuesday July 22, 2025 after the Marakwet West Sub county Alcoholic Drinks Control Regulation Committee received resolutions from the County Alcoholic Drinks Administrative Review Committee.
All the alcohol outlets in Kapsowar Town had been closed sometime in April following conclusion of inspection and approval by the Sub-County Committee.
Aggrieved by the decision, Kandie said the operators sought redress with the county appeals committee to have their issues discussed and resolutions given.
Why Kapsowar bars were denied licenses
The director revealed that the reasons behind the closed establishments. He noted that Kapyoswo was denied licence due to security breach after a man was stabbed in the bar whereas Kalyet did not apply for being very close to Kapsowar Girls school.
East Inn also posed nuisance in excessive noise which spilled over to the girls’ school.
A petition from bars along Kamoi exit road was however quashed for security reasons and their involvement in illicit alcoholic drinks beside being flagged as notorious chang’aa drinking dens.
