The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has unveiled stringent proposals aimed at curbing alcohol consumption and its promotion in Kenya. The measures, outlined in a new national policy released by the Ministry of Interior, target aggressive alcohol marketing strategies that the authority says normalize drinking.
Key proposals include a ban on online alcohol sales, discount promotions, and the use of celebrities, influencers, and sports personalities in advertising. Alcohol adverts would be restricted to factual information only, avoiding content that glorifies drinking or negatively portrays abstinence. Additionally, advertising targeting those under 21, including in schools, universities, and youth events, would be prohibited, with outdoor ads barred within 300 metres of learning institutions, hospitals, and residential areas.
The policy also seeks to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 and impose stricter licensing rules, banning alcohol sales in supermarkets, petrol stations, restaurants, residential areas, and near schools. Consumption in public spaces such as parks, hotels, and public transport would also be outlawed.
Other measures include:
- Prohibiting alcohol promotions involving free samples, discounts, or prize competitions.
- Banning alcohol advertising during watershed hours (5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.) on all media platforms, including foreign broadcasts.
- Restricting packaging to a minimum of 250ml with clear health warnings.
- Mandating lower blood alcohol limits for young and professional drivers, mandatory breath tests, and counselling for offenders.
If enacted, these reforms would overhaul Kenya’s alcohol control framework, significantly tightening restrictions on marketing, sales, and consumption to protect children, youth, and the public from what NACADA calls “excessive, misleading, or deceptive inducements.”
