Quote from Lawyer on July 31, 2025, 7:59 am

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has addressed public concerns regarding its newly launched National Policy for the Prevention, Management, and Control of Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse (2025). The policy, unveiled on July 30, 2025, by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in Nairobi, sparked widespread debate due to reports suggesting immediate bans on alcohol advertising, online sales, home deliveries, and celebrity endorsements. NACADA has clarified that these measures are not enforceable laws but rather proposed recommendations awaiting further legislative review.

The policy aims to address the growing issue of substance abuse in Kenya, particularly among young people, by proposing measures to limit access to alcohol and drugs. It includes recommendations such as raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21, restricting alcohol sales in certain public spaces, and curbing marketing practices that target minors. However, NACADA emphasized that these are not legally binding decisions. The authority issued a statement to counter misinformation, noting that the policy serves as a roadmap for future interventions rather than an immediate enforcement tool.

Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, NACADA’s Chief Executive Officer, stated that the policy’s goal is to protect youth from the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse while fostering a healthier, more productive society. He urged the public to view the policy as a framework for discussion, not a set of finalized regulations. To ensure transparency, NACADA plans to engage stakeholders from government, industry, civil society, and the public in developing a multi-sectoral implementation framework. Any proposals requiring legal backing will undergo a thorough and inclusive law review process.

The National Policy for the Prevention, Management, and Control of Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse (2025) outlines several measures to curb substance abuse. Among the most debated recommendations are:

• Raising the Legal Drinking Age: The policy proposes increasing the minimum age for handling, purchasing, consuming, and selling alcohol from 18 to 21. This change aims to delay early exposure to alcohol, which experts link to lifelong health issues, addiction, and risk-taking behaviors.

• Restrictions on Alcohol Sales: The policy suggests prohibiting alcohol sales in ten specific locations, including supermarkets, restaurants, online platforms, home deliveries, vending machines, public beaches, amusement parks, sports facilities, public transport hubs, and highways. It also recommends banning sales near schools, places of worship, and residential areas.

• Marketing and Advertising Controls: NACADA proposes banning celebrity endorsements, social media influencer promotions, and alcohol advertisements during children’s programs, school events, or national holidays. Only individuals aged 25 and above would be permitted to appear in alcohol-related advertisements. The policy also seeks to prohibit media content that glorifies alcohol or drug use.

• Zoning and Licensing Regulations: The policy recommends stricter controls on alcohol outlet licenses, including a prohibition on licensing outlets within 300 meters of learning institutions. Operating hours for alcohol sales would be regulated based on population density and other criteria.

• Health Warnings and Packaging: NACADA suggests regulating the size, packaging, and labeling of alcoholic beverages, including mandatory health warnings in English and Kiswahili.

These recommendations aim to reduce the accessibility and appeal of alcohol, particularly to vulnerable populations such as youth. NACADA’s data highlights the urgency of these measures, with a February 2025 study revealing that 87.3% of university students in Kenya consume alcohol, making it the most commonly used substance among this group.

Public Reaction and Next Steps

The launch of the policy triggered significant public debate, with some Kenyans questioning the practicality and enforcement of the proposed measures. Critics, including industry stakeholders, have expressed concerns that restrictions like banning online sales or raising the drinking age could drive young adults toward illicit brews or unregulated markets. For instance, Alex Chappatte, CEO of African Originals, a Kenya-based beverage company, argued that education on responsible drinking should take precedence over restrictive measures.

Supporters of the policy, however, see it as a necessary step to address Kenya’s growing substance abuse crisis. NACADA’s data indicates that 4.7 million Kenyans aged 15 to 65 use at least one drug or substance, with alcohol being the most prevalent. The authority has linked early substance initiation, rising cannabis use, and high addiction rates to significant public health and socioeconomic consequences.

To move forward, NACADA plans to develop a National Action Plan in collaboration with stakeholders. This plan will outline strategies, timelines, resources, and responsibilities for implementing the policy’s recommendations. The authority has committed to a transparent process, encouraging public participation to shape the final legal framework. Dr. Omerikwa urged Kenyans to seek accurate updates through NACADA’s official website (www.nacada.go.ke) and verified communication platforms to avoid misinformation.

The 2025 policy comes in response to alarming trends in substance abuse across Kenya. NACADA’s surveys show that alcohol consumption is particularly high among young people aged 18 to 24, with 66.4% of university students sourcing drugs or alcohol from friends and 59.3% from neighborhood bars or canteens. The authority has also noted an increase in the potency and variety of substances, coupled with rising illicit drug trafficking, which underscores the need for urgent action.

Previous NACADA initiatives, such as a May 2024 crackdown on liquor outlets near schools and a push for compliance among rehabilitation centers, reflect the authority’s ongoing efforts to address substance abuse. The 2025 policy builds on these efforts, aiming to create a coordinated national response to a public health crisis that affects individuals, families, and communities.

While the National Policy for the Prevention, Management, and Control of Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse (2025) has sparked controversy, NACADA’s clarification underscores its commitment to a collaborative and transparent process. The authority’s focus remains on protecting Kenya’s youth and reducing the harm caused by substance abuse. As the policy moves toward implementation, its success will depend on effective stakeholder engagement, public education, and robust legislative support.

Kenyans are encouraged to participate in the upcoming multi-sectoral discussions and stay informed through official channels. The policy represents a significant step toward addressing a pressing public health issue, but its impact will hinge on how well its recommendations are translated into actionable, enforceable measures.