Despite efforts to shield school-going children from alcohol and substance abuse, several bars and entertainment joints continue to operate dangerously close to educational institutions.

Parents and education stakeholders blame these establishments for facilitating easy access to alcohol, contributing significantly to drug abuse among students. Spot checks by The Standard across the country revealed that some bars are located less than 100 metres from schools.

The  Kenya’s Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010 famously referred to as the Mututho Law is clear on the location of these outlets. It provides that in an application for licenses, the premises in respect of which the application is made are located at least 300 meters from any nursery, primary, secondary or other learning institutions for persons under the age of 18.

However, the situation is so dire that in some areas, learning is frequently disrupted by loud music and shouting from revellers, turning schools into virtual party zones.

In Mombasa, despite ongoing campaigns to relocate bars away from schools, many residents lament the continued presence of these businesses. For instance, Likoni Muslim Comprehensive School has long battled the issue of several alcohol outlets nearby.

Until recently, children mingled with drunkards during breaks. However, the construction of a high perimeter wall and the repositioning of the school’s main gate have minimised direct contact with revellers. These bars sell beer, wine, spirits, and the locally brewed palm wine known as mnazi.

Betty Sharon, Executive Director of the Collaboration of Women in Development (CWID), noted that efforts to remove bars near schools in Mombasa have not yet succeeded. She highlighted areas like Kongowea and Maweni in Nyali subcounty and Kisauni and Bamburi areas in Kisauni subcounty as being particularly affected.

“The county government should act tough on bar operators near schools to save our children. The problem lies in licensing the bars that operate near our schools. At the moment, there are some areas where bars and wine and spirits outlets are competing with salons,” she noted.

In 2023, Governor Abdulswamad Nassir ordered the relocation of bars operating within 150 metres of schools and places of worship to combat the increasing rates of alcohol and drug abuse among schoolchildren.

A similar campaign is underway in Kilifi and Kwale counties, where spot checks in Kilifi and Malindi towns showed a significant reduction in bars near schools.

In the Rift Valley, however, some bars openly flout regulations. Residents of Bomet allege that some establishments operate with impunity, aided by police officers who turn a blind eye.

He argued that closing of the bars would affect the economy of the country since it is a big business in Kenya.

“We cannot close abruptly because the same will be to our detriment and that of the family. We need dialogue to resolve the issues,” he said. “Shutting us down abruptly will harm our businesses and families. Dialogue is needed to resolve these issues,” he said.

In Kericho County, Londiani Sub County Police Commander Agnes Kunga confirmed that two bars near Kamungei and Central Primary schools had been shut down following complaints from education stakeholders. “As soon as we received complaint from education stakeholders, we immediately shut down the bars and learners now have a conducive environment,” she said.

Senator Aaron Cheruiyot called for the closure of all bars near schools across the county, citing their negative influence on students and communities.

Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara said all the entertainment joints near schools had been closed.

In Kisumu, several bars blatantly disregard the 300-metre rule, which prohibits such establishments near schools, religious centres, and residential areas.

For example, Lakesite School is adjacent to Geckos Bar, where revellers frequently park next to the school gates, while others sit next to the fence, causing concern among parents and educators.

At Wayside, several bars and entertainment joints are operating in close proximity to Kisumu Junior and Kisumu Senior schools. 

Interestingly, a mosque is also located barely 30 metrEs from the entertainment joints. 

According to the chairman of the Parents Association at the M-M Sha Primary School, Cephas Ogwang’ the entertainment joints have been a nightmare to parents as they are constantly worried about the safety of their children owing to the high number of strangers in the area.

Kisumu bar owners have, however dismissed the allegations of their failure to observe rules.

Blame game

According to Dan Maneno Ouma, the Kisumu County Bar Owners Chairman, some of the bars that are accused of operating near learning institutions were established in accordance with the Physical Development Planning Act, which categorised the said places as commercial areas. “If the place is a shopping centre, it is meant to be a commercial area and it was meant to be so by the Physical and Development Planning Act, which defines an area whether as a commercial or residential area,” Ouma said.

He also accused some proprietors of learning institutions, especially the private schools of overlooking the issue of the 300-meter rule when putting up their schools only to start complaining later that the bar is interfering with their learning activities.

In Central, parents, teachers, and community leaders are raising similar alarms. North Imenti Sub County is particularly affected, with Gitoro Primary School, Makutano located near several bars. Local businesswoman Gladys Karimi expressed frustration over the continued presence of these establishments.

“Apart from the noise, they negatively influence children. We’re tired of demanding their removal,” Karimi said.

Assistant Chief Festus Mawira of Upper Igoki Sub Location acknowledged the challenge and committed to resolving it.

He explained that the Liquor Licensing Board does an assessment before allowing bars to operate. He noted that some bars do not meet licensing requirements and lack proper sanitation facilities.

Meru County Alcohol Control Board CEO Dr Mbaabu Muguna announced plans to remove bars near schools, stressing the need for stricter enforcement of licensing laws.

Report by Clinton Ambujo, Phares Mutembei, Patric Beja, Kiprono Kurgat, Nikko Tanui and Daniel Chege.