What You Need To Know To Start A Successful Bar Business In Kenya

Kenyans are heavy drinkers. That is why the government is so scared that soon, the country will be a drinking nation. The problem is not in drinking, actually, but in the numerous illicit brews flying around the country, especially in Central Kenya.

But people are making money from Bars and Restaurants, Wines and Spirits shops. In Nairobi, every street has either a bar or a wines and spirits shop. Some are located closer to each but you will never see them without customers.

What do you need to set up this business?

Here are a series of licenses that you need to have:

1. County Permit
2. Public Health Permit
3. Medical Certificate
4. Fire Clearance Certificate
5. Music Copyright of Kenya Certificate
6. Performer Rights Certificate
7. NEMA Certificate

Most of these requirements and certificates are for those seeking to set up bars and restaurants.

Fees and monetary requirements

Currently, there are three levels of fees that one is needed to pay depending on the location of their business. For premises situated within a city or municipality, the fee is 30,000 for 6 months and 50,000 for 1 year. (County governments have different additional charges).

At the same time, for premises in urban areas that are not a city or a municipality, the fee is 18,000 for 6 months and 30,000 for a year. As for premises outside cities, municipalities, or urban areas, the fee is 9,000 for 6 months and 15,000 for a year. (these charges might be different too).

Initial investment:

This depends on one’s capacity and what one intends to stock. Without putting rent into consideration, the initial investment into the stock ranges from 100,000 shillings to 500,000 shillings for wines and spirits shops. This also depends on what one decides to stock.

For a bar and restaurant, the initial investment might start from 800,000 shillings upwards. This also depends on location and what one intends to accomplish. The investment is lower in rural areas because of the needed stocks.

What are the challenges?

Theft from those who work for you. If you are not careful, if you do not have knowledge of how the alcohol business runs, those who work for you will clean you dry.

Kenyan police are a major challenge. If you entertain them, they will always be at your door asking for bribes even if you have all the certificates and requirements. Have all the requirements, sell genuine alcohol, and tell them off when they come knocking.

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