Kenya’s sweeping alcohol control plan sparks anger

Kenya’s Tough Alcohol Control Plan Faces Industry and Public Backlash

Kenya newly unveiled alcohol control proposals have triggered widespread public debate and criticism. Among the most controversial measures is the proposal to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 and ban alcohol sales in supermarkets, restaurants, public transport, and online platforms. If passed, alcohol would only be available in licensed bars, pubs, and specialty liquor stores.

These proposals were introduced by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) on Wednesday, forming what is widely considered the most aggressive anti-alcohol framework Kenya has ever seen. While the initiative is meant to curb substance abuse—particularly among the youth critics argue the approach is overly restrictive and could have harmful economic consequences.

Government defends strict measures
Nacada justifies the proposals by pointing to the scale of the alcohol abuse problem. In 2022, the agency estimated that one in every 20 Kenyans between 15 and 65 years old is addicted to alcohol. The sweeping policy package is designed to address this growing public health concern.

The draft policy also targets celebrity endorsements of alcoholic drinks and home delivery services, which are seen as fueling easy access and glamorization of drinking, especially among young people.

Following public outrage, Nacada clarified in a statement that the draft document is a “road map, not an enforcement issue”, adding that the next step is to develop an implementation plan that will involve consultations with stakeholders.

Alcohol industry slams lack of consultation
Major stakeholders in Kenya’s alcohol sector have condemned the proposals. The Alcoholic Beverage Association of Kenya (Abak) criticized Nacada for excluding manufacturers from the drafting process, labeling the approach as “exclusionary” and “unrealistic.” While Abak supports the fight against alcohol abuse, they believe the measures are disproportionate and fail to consider the economic and social dynamics of the industry.

Industry players also argue that such sweeping restrictions could lead to mass job losses and drive alcohol consumption underground, where illicit and dangerous brews might flourish.

Concerns over economic and tourism impact
Prominent lawyer Donald Kipkorir voiced his concerns on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that banning alcohol sales in supermarkets, restaurants, recreational centers, and petrol stations could cripple Kenya’s hospitality and tourism industries. He bluntly stated, “Tourism is driven by good food, alcohol (wine, beer & spirits) and sex.”

Others argue that these restrictions unfairly target legal businesses instead of focusing on enforcing existing laws or improving education and rehabilitation efforts. Traders and bar owners have long maintained that past attempts to regulate the industry have been heavy-handed and ineffective.

Previous attempts failed to produce lasting results
This isn’t Kenya’s first attempt to tackle alcohol abuse through stringent regulations. In 2023, then-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua proposed a bold idea to limit towns to only one pub each, especially in the country’s central region, which is considered most affected by alcoholism. That initiative, however, fell apart after strong opposition from business owners and citizens who felt it was unrealistic and poorly targeted.

With the new proposals now drawing similar criticism, many believe Kenya may be on course to repeat past mistakes. Without inclusive consultation and a balanced approach, experts warn, the draft policy may not achieve its goals and may instead fuel economic instability and underground alcohol sales.

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