NAIROBI, Kenya – The Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK) has pushed back against a sweeping new policy proposal by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), saying the plan risks hurting legitimate businesses without addressing the root causes of alcohol abuse.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 30, ABAK said it had reviewed the proposed National Alcohol Control Policy with concern, especially provisions aimed at raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21, restricting alcohol advertising, and enforcing wider buffers between liquor outlets and schools or religious institutions.
While acknowledging the need to combat alcohol abuse, ABAK said the current legal framework—anchored in the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act—already contains sufficient safeguards to regulate production, sale, and advertising.
“There are already adequate restrictions in national and county government laws to curb the abuse of alcohol,” the association said. “The real issue is poor enforcement, not the absence of laws.”
ABAK pointed to recent research by Euromonitor International, which it commissioned, showing that 60% of alcohol consumed in Kenya is illicit.
The industry body argues that while stricter regulations may look good on paper, they could inadvertently push more Kenyans towards unregulated—and often dangerous—alternatives.
“This means that, regardless of the current legal drinking age of 18 years, Kenyans have more access to illicit alcohol than they do to legal alcohol,” ABAK said.
E-commerce and proximity concerns
The new NACADA policy also proposes banning alcohol sales on online platforms and enforcing stricter rules about how close alcohol-selling establishments can be to schools and places of worship.
But ABAK warned that these changes could upend decades-old urban planning norms in Kenya’s towns and cities, where churches, schools, and shopping centres often exist side by side.
ABAK further argued that most online platforms already have mechanisms to prevent underage access, including training for delivery personnel to verify the age of customers.
No seat at the table
The industry also criticized NACADA for excluding alcohol manufacturers from the policy development process, despite the sector’s contribution to tax revenues, employment, and responsible drinking campaigns.
“It is unfortunate that the policy was developed without the input of alcohol manufacturers who could have added valuable insight,” ABAK said.
The organisation said it would fully engage in stakeholder consultations expected to follow, especially as the policy would require amendments to the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act and other related laws.
The process is expected to involve public participation both at the national and county assembly levels.
Despite its opposition to parts of the policy, ABAK reiterated its support for responsible alcohol consumption, the fight against illicit brews, and efforts to prevent underage drinking.
The proposed policy comes amid growing public concern over substance abuse in Kenya, with NACADA citing the increasing potency and variety of drugs and the widespread availability of unregulated alcohol as reasons for urgent intervention.
