By: Amos Mutheru
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced a bold proposal to raise Kenya’s legal drinking age from 18 to 21 years.
The move is part of the newly approved 2025 National Policy on Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse, which was endorsed by the Cabinet on June 24.
Speaking during a press briefing, NACADA officials expressed concern over rising alcohol use among young people, particularly those aged 18 to 24.
“Approximately 13 percent of Kenyans aged 15–65 consume alcohol, with the highest usage recorded among 18–24-year-olds,” the agency stated.
“Raising the legal drinking age is one of the strategies to curb this dangerous trend.”
Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, NACADA’s Chief Executive Officer, also raised alarms over unregulated online access to alcohol.
“The online space has become a loophole. Teenagers are ordering alcohol from their phones and having it delivered to their homes. This must stop,” he said.
As part of the new policy, online sales, including via mobile apps and vending machines, will be banned. Home delivery of alcoholic beverages will also be prohibited.
The policy further introduces strict marketing restrictions where celebrity endorsements will no longer be allowed in alcohol advertisements.
In addition, they also argue that promotions will be banned during children’s TV programming, school events, and on national holidays.
“Celebrity endorsements have a big influence on young people. We are removing that pressure and glamorisation,” NACADA added.
A zoning regulation will also come into effect, prohibiting alcohol outlets within 300 metres of schools, places of worship, and residential areas.
NACADA emphasized that this is not merely a policy on paper.
“We are losing too many young people. These reforms are necessary to save lives,” the agency declared.
