Proposal Revives Karen Nyamu's Push To End Aluta In Nightclubs
Chimera sought permission to introduce a bill that would enforce changes to the licensing and operation of nightclubs in the country.

A proposal by Nominated Senator Raphael Chimera intends to amend the laws governing alcohol control in Kenya. Among them is the reduction of operating times for all nightclubs.
In a letter addressed to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Chimera sought permission to introduce a bill that would enforce changes to the licensing and operation of nightclubs in the country.
The legislator lamented that alcohol abuse as the excessive and unhealthy consumption of alcoholic drinks, has become a major hindrance to the health, social and economic development of the people of Kenya.
Nominated Senator Raphael Chimera. /THE STAR
"The Government of Kenya has made numerous efforts to tackle alcoholism which include but are not limited to the introduction of agencies such as NACADA to tackle the issue of alcohol and drug abuse, treatment and rehabilitation centres across the country, investing in research on alcohol abuse and ultimately the introduction of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010 to regulate production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the country.
"I wish to table before you the introduction of a bill which seeks to tackle alcohol abuse in the country through the amendment of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010 with the following amendments," the letter read in part.
The Senator is seeking an amendment to Section 31 (2) to provide that no person shall manufacture, pack, distribute or sell an alcoholic drink in a container of fewer than 750 millilitres (ml).
He is also eyeing the amendment of Section 8 of the Act by deleting the whole section by abolishing District Committees and reverting the licensing role to the National Government.
Above all, Chimera wants to amend Schedule 4 of the Act more specifically part 6 (b) to read as follows:
"...from Monday to Friday during the hours of 7.00 pm to 11.00 pm" instead of "7.00 pm to 3.00 am" Part 6 (b) (b) "During weekends and public holidays during the hours of "5.00 pm to 2.00 am"," added the letter.
The proposal to amend the operating times would likely bring an end to the ‘Aluta Sundays’ held in various popular clubs across Nairobi, fulfilling a wish by Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu.
On November 28, 2023, in a short statement across her social media platforms, Nyamu issued her warning to club owners with the intent of cracking down on the overnight program that grew sporadically in popularity among Nairobi's party-goers.
"Kuna kitu inaharibu vijana hapa Nairobi inaitwa ALUTA. Hio form me ndio nitaichoma (There is something spoiling the youth called Aluta. I'll be the one to disrupt that plan). Club owners this is your notice," she stated.
'Aluta' is a Sheng terminology which means to feel good, often associated with the use of weed.
The phenomenon of ‘Aluta Sundays’ began amongst popular club owners and DJs seeking to maintain the attendance of revellers throughout the weekend. In particular, after one popular club along Thika Road introduced it, several other clubs in Nairobi followed suit, making Aluta Sundays a popular strategy.
Tailored for enthusiasts of reggae music who are either reluctant to call it a night or simply seeking Sunday morning entertainment, ‘Aluta Sundays’ became synonymous with the vibrant sounds of reggae artists.
The concept gained immense popularity among club owners, leading to the establishment of designated zones dedicated to ‘Aluta Sundays’.
Contrary to hosting these events within the confines of the club, some establishments opted to relocate Aluta fans to the parking area. By Sunday morning, the parking space is transformed, with all vehicles cleared out, making room for staff to arrange seating for the Aluta Sunday ‘service.’