NAIROBI, Kenya— The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has moved to dispel claims that it has already banned online alcohol sales, celebrity endorsements, and advertising following the launch of a new national policy aimed at combating alcohol and substance abuse.
In a statement issued Wednesday evening, NACADA said no bans have been effected and clarified that the National Policy for the Prevention, Management and Control of Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse (2025) is not a legal directive but a roadmap requiring further legislative processes.
“This is a national policy, and contrary to reports suggesting that NACADA has banned certain practices… we wish to emphasize that no bans have been introduced,” NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said.
The clarification comes amid widespread media reports suggesting that the policy had already outlawed online alcohol sales, celebrity endorsements, and promotions at youth-friendly events and spaces.
Dr. Omerikwa explained that the measures highlighted in the document are “policy recommendations, not law,” and are intended to guide future legal and regulatory reviews.
“Any proposal that requires legal backing will undergo a thorough law review process, which will be transparent and inclusive,” he stated.
According to NACADA, the next phase will involve developing a multi-sectoral implementation framework, bringing together key players from government, the private sector, civil society and the public to refine and operationalize the policy.
Importantly, the authority noted that public participation will be central to this process, ensuring that any contentious issues are addressed before any legislation is enacted.
NACADA urged the media and the public to understand the policy as a guiding framework rather than an enforcement tool.
“NACADA’s goal, as clearly outlined in the policy, is to protect our youth from the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse, reduce related harm, and foster a healthier, more productive society,” the statement read.
The policy was officially launched earlier Wednesday by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in Nairobi.
For verified updates, NACADA has directed the public to follow announcements via its official website www.nacada.go.ke and social media platforms.
