A reveller at Explorers Tavern in Nairobi. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | NMG East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) Thursday rolled out Sh558 million ($5 million) fund to help pubs and bars recover from coronavirus disruptions, with Kenyan establishments getting the lion’s share.
The beer-maker says that Sh334 million ($3 million) has been allocated to Kenyan bars and pubs while those in Uganda and Tanzania will each get Sh112 million ($1 million).
The two-year programme dubbed “Raising the Bar” is part of the Sh11.2 billion ($100 million) global kitty that was announced in June by EABL’s parent firm, Diageo.
The targeted support includes purchasing equipment such as hygiene kits, permanent sanitizer dispenser units, hand sanitizers, masks, and protection screens for bars that cannot maintain the one metre social distance.
The fund will also help to pubs and bars obtain mobile bars and outdoor equipment as well as establish partnerships with online reservations and cashless systems.
Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) acting sales director Joel Kamau said the programme is targeting about 11,000 bars and pubs in the country.
“We have committed to alleviate the safety and comfort of our customers and boost the trade at this critical time. We know this has been the most difficult time for the hospitality industry ever,” said Mr Kamau.
“We have no doubt that Raising the Bar programme will provide the much-needed shot in the arm for these outlets at a time when they most need our help.”
