Kenyan Bar owners get more time to apply for KBL’s ‘Raising the Bar with Tusker’ fund
KENYA – The Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), subsidiary of East Africa Breweries Limited has extended the application deadline for bars and eateries interested in signing up for the ‘Raising the Bar with Tusker’ fund to February 12, 2021.
The US$3 million fund aimed to support the revival of the outlets across the country following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, was launched last year December.
The extension, according to reports by Citizen News, is aimed at giving bar owners more time to apply for the fund following a relatively busy holiday season.
“We are all seeking to rebuild after a very tough 2020, so any help we can get is welcome.”
Pubs, Entertainment & Restaurants Association of Kenya National Chair – Alice Opee
KBL Acting Sales Director Joel Kamau said they had received multiple requests from operators who did not get adequate time to apply for the fund when it was launched.
“We are calling upon bar and pub owners to take advantage of this deadline extension to apply for the fund on www.diageobaracademy.com. They can also contact their area sales representatives for any assistance they require
“We really want those who meet the criteria to apply because this fund is meant for these outlets, as we come out of a difficult 2020,” said Kamau.
Establishments eligible for the funding include those registered as legal entities, have a beer, spirits or equivalent operating license and have been in operation for at least 12 months preceding the introduction of COVID-19 related restrictions.
Bar association fraternity have welcomed the extension noting that it will serve to grow the reach of the fund.
“We are pleased by KBL’s decision to extend the application period. Our members now have more time after a busy Christmas and new year period and many who have met the criteria for application are looking to secure this very welcome gesture from KBL.” Bar, Hotels and Liquor Trade Association (BAHLITA) Secretary General Boniface Gachoka said.
“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 very tough 2020, so any help we can get is welcome,” Pubs, Entertainment & Restaurants Association of Kenya National Chair Alice Opee reiterated.
The two-year programme is part of the parent company’s Diageo US$100 million kitty launched in July 2020 across its different markets i.e. New York, London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Sydney and beyond.
In East Africa, KBL got the lion’s share receiving US$3 million while its sister companies in Uganda i.e., Uganda Breweries Limited and Tanzania through Serengeti Breweries Limited each got US$1 million.
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 enable the establishments obtain mobile bars and outdoor equipment as well as undertake partnerships with online reservations and cashless systems, developing contactless technology.
KBL seeks to support over 11,000 bars and pubs in Kenya providing the much-needed shot in the arm.
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