Sakaja's ban on clubs to affect 23,000 jobs, association says

Pubs, Entertainment, and Restaurants Association of Kenya (PERAK) has estimated that over 23,000 workers will be rendered unemployed following the ban on clubs.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja recently ordered the closure of clubs located in residential areas.

PERAK's chairperson, Michael Muthami, likens the ban to the Covid-19 curfew saying it will have the same effect on the hospitality industry. 

Speaking to a local TV station, he said that the ban will affect 400-500 establishments resulting in 30-70 employees losing their jobs per club.

Muthami observes that the closure of clubs will also affect those who depend on the industry such as bodaboda operators and sex workers.

"This will affect so many people including permanent and casual labourers who will lose their jobs, it will also affect watu wa smokie, supermarkets, Mutura people, and even commercial sex workers," he says.

Muthami revealed that the Bar Owners Association and Residents' Association together with other stakeholders were in talks with Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri. 

"Is it that Sakaja doesn’t trust his deputy? Where did this directive come from?" he asked. 

President Ruto has lauded Sakaja for the directive saying this was a good move to keep noise away from children.