Nairobi County demands Sh924 million in liquor licensing arrears from EABL
Nairobi County has demanded Sh924 million in unpaid liquor licensing fees from East African Breweries Limited (EABL) following an internal audit. The county claims there is a significant disparity between the fees paid by EABL and other major manufacturers in neighboring regions.
Why it matters
This dispute underscores the challenges of tax compliance and revenue collection in local government, as well as the potential for regulatory friction between major corporations and regional authorities.
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Business and Hustlers Opportunities Lydia Mathia addressing a press conference on October 23, 2026/HANDOUT Nairobi City County says an internal audit identified approximately Sh924 million in outstanding liquor licensing arrears it attributes to East African Breweries Limited (EABL), a claim that has brought renewed attention to differences in licensing fees paid by major manufacturers and smaller businesses.
Chief Officer for Business and Hustlers Opportunities Lydia Mathia said the county's claim followed an internal audit that raised concerns about what officials described as long-standing revenue gaps and disparities in the liquor licensing regime.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, Mathia said the county assessed the alleged arrears under the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Act, 2014, and the Finance Act, 2026.
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