KBL extends applications for bars Ksh.330M lifeline fund

The Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) has extended the application deadline for bars and eateries interested in signing up to its lifeline funding.

The establishments will now have up to February 12 to join the scheme which rolled out in December.

The extension is aimed at giving bar owners more time to apply for the Ksh.330 million fund.

“We have decided to extend the application deadline after receiving requests from our partners and bar owners who did not get adequate time to fill in the applications during the festive period,” said KBL Acting Sales Director Joel Kamau.

Bar operations have welcomed the extension noting that it will serve to grow the reach of the fund.

“Our members have begun applying and this extension will ensure more within the Nairobi Metropolitan area, covered by the fund, are able to express their interest. We are all seeking to rebuild after a tough 2020,” said Pubs, Entertainment & Restaurants Association of Kenya (PERAK) National Chairperson Alice Opee.

KBL seeks to support over 11,000 outlets in meeting basic COVID-19 safety regulations.

The funding is expected to support pubs and bars in obtaining hygiene equipment, mobile bars and outdoor equipment.

The fund is part of a larger Ksh.11 billion ($100 million) global program by KBL’s parent company Diageo aimed at supporting the resumption of establishment after closures occasioned by the pandemic.

Establishments eligible for the funding include those registered as legal entities, establishments with a beer, spirits or equivalent license and have been in operation for at least 12 months preceding the introduction of COVID-19 related restrictions.

The new funding is set to also benefit entities establishment operations within the East African Breweries Limited (EABL) sphere including Uganda and Tanzania.