A fierce national debate is unfolding in Kenya following the unveiling of sweeping new proposal aimed at curbing alcohol consumption, with critics warning that the measures could severely disrupt the economy and legitimate businesses.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) on Wednesday released a draft policy that includes raising the minimum legal drinking age from 18 to 21 and banning the sale of alcohol in supermarkets, restaurants, public transport, and even through online platforms. Celebrity endorsements and home delivery services for alcoholic beverages would also be outlawed under the proposed changes.
Nacada has defended the proposals as a necessary step to combat growing substance abuse, particularly among the youth. The authority cited a 2022 estimate suggesting that one in every 20 Kenyans between the ages of 15 and 65 is addicted to alcohol. Officials argue the current system is failing to curb addiction, and that stronger, more comprehensive measures are needed to address what they call a national crisis.
However, the proposal regulations have sparked outrage across the country, especially within the alcohol manufacturing and hospitality sectors. Industry players argue that such drastic changes, if implemented, could destabilise the sector, lead to massive job losses, and drive consumers toward the unregulated and dangerous illicit alcohol market.
The Alcoholic Beverage Association of Kenya (Abak) expressed sharp opposition to the draft policy, criticising Nacada for what it described as an “exclusionary” approach. The association accused the authority of formulating policies without engaging industry stakeholders who could have offered practical and balanced input.
In response to the growing backlash, Nacada issued a clarification stating that the document is merely a policy draft and not a directive for immediate enforcement. The agency said it intends to develop an implementation roadmap in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, and that any legally binding changes will go through a formal legislative review process.
Prominent voices from outside the industry have also joined the criticism. Lawyer Donald Kipkorir wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the move to outlaw alcohol sales in places like restaurants, supermarkets, beaches, and petrol stations would deal a devastating blow to Kenya’s hospitality sector. “Tourism is driven by good food, alcohol (wine, beer & spirits) and sex,” he posted, calling the proposed bans unrealistic.
Kenya has previously attempted to curb alcohol abuse through legislative action, but the problem has remained deeply rooted. In 2023, then-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua suggested a controversial policy allowing only one pub per town in the central region—an area especially affected by alcohol abuse. That proposal also drew strong resistance from bar and restaurant owners and ultimately failed to gain traction.
As the public discourse intensifies, the fate of Nacada’s new proposals remains uncertain. While many agree on the need to address alcohol abuse, there is a growing call for a more inclusive, pragmatic approach that balances public health concerns with economic realities.
