According to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, allowing bars to operate from 5 pm until 11 pm will give young Kenyans employment opportunities.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Affordable Housing Bill signing ceremony at the State House, Gachagua said that Kenyans would now have the chance to work on building sites and leave the bars closed until after certain hours.
"You (President Ruto) have guided us that people should not drink during the day. Now we have an opportunity because there will be employment for people to go and work," said Gachagua.
"For the avoidance of doubt bars will open at 5 pm and close at 11 pm. The rest of the time let's go and work, build houses and provide shelter for our Kenyan people."
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The second-in-command praised President William Ruto for his support of constructing inexpensive housing for Kenyans with low incomes, calling it a significant step toward the government's realization of its development agenda.
Kenyans will now pay 1.5% of their monthly salary toward the Housing Levy and receive a matching contribution from their employers due to the Affordable Housing law.
Section 34 of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act stipulates the operating guidelines, which state that bars must open at 5 pm on weekdays and close at 11 pm on weekends.
Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki issued a warning last week, stating that anyone caught breaking the law would face severe penalties or even jail time.
Gachagua has been leading the charge to close down every bar in the country, a move he attributes to the increase in the use of illegal alcohol and drugs that have claimed many lives.
