Kenya may soon implement strict alcohol consumption regulations if a new proposal by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) is adopted. The proposed policy seeks to ban drinking in a wide range of public places in a bid to tackle rising alcohol abuse and promote public health.
According to NACADA, the list of locations where alcohol consumption would be prohibited includes public beaches, amusement parks, recreational parks, and petrol stations. The ban would also cover medical facilities, sports venues, bus parks, bus stops, ferry stations, railway stations, piers, and along highways.
Restaurants and members’ clubs within hotels are also under scrutiny. NACADA suggests that alcohol should not be consumed in dining areas, even within private clubs. The policy further extends to educational institutions proposing a complete ban on alcohol consumption in basic, tertiary, and higher learning centers.
In a significant move, the proposal calls for raising the minimum legal age for handling, purchasing, consuming, and selling alcohol from 18 to 21 years. This change aims to protect the youth from early exposure to alcohol and reduce long-term addiction risks.
The policy is part of NACADA’s broader strategy to create safer public spaces and minimize the social and health harms linked to alcohol abuse. The agency argues that many of the listed locations are frequented by families and young people, making them unsuitable environments for public drinking.
While the proposal has sparked debate, with some arguing it could negatively affect the hospitality industry, public health advocates say it is a step in the right direction. NACADA is expected to hold public participation forums before the policy is finalized and tabled for legislation. If passed, Kenya would join a growing list of countries imposing stricter alcohol control laws to protect citizens.
