NACADA proposes raising legal drinking age to 21

KENYA – The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has proposed raising the legal drinking age in Kenya from 18 to 21 years.  

The proposal is part of a wide-ranging policy framework unveiled on July 30, 2025, aimed at preventing, managing, and controlling alcohol, drug, and substance abuse across the country. 

Outlined in the National Policy for the Prevention, Management, and Control of Alcohol, Drugs & Substance Abuse, the proposals are the result of extensive consultations involving national and county governments, civil society, faith-based organizations, the private sector, and members of the public. 

Wider restrictions on access and consumption 

NACADA’s proposed measures include barring individuals under 21 from purchasing, handling, or consuming alcohol. Access to alcohol-selling premises by those below this age would also be prohibited, even if accompanied by adults. 

The proposals further seek to outlaw the sale and consumption of alcohol in specific public and sensitive areas. These include beaches, parks, hospitals, sports venues, transport hubs, highways, restaurants, clubs, and educational institutions.

Additionally, alternative retail methods such as vending machines, online sales, home deliveries, hawking, and outlets associated with children (such as toy shops) would be banned from distributing alcohol. 

Advertising and promotional ban 

The policy proposes stringent regulations on alcohol marketing. It prohibits using individuals under 25 years to advertise alcoholic beverages. It also bars the use of celebrities, media personalities, influencers, and sports figures in any promotional campaigns. 

Brand sponsorships of sports teams, leagues, or tournaments by alcohol companies would be disallowed. Likewise, advertisements during watershed hours (5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) on audio-visual platforms, including foreign broadcasts, would be banned. 

Packaging, licensing, and distribution reforms 

NACADA proposes mandatory inclusion of health warnings and ingredient labels on alcoholic products. A minimum package size of 250ml would be required. Price promotions—such as free drinks, volume discounts, and flat rates for unlimited consumption—would be prohibited. 

Retail licenses for supermarkets and franchise stores would no longer be issued. Licensing requirements would be tightened, with stricter oversight on the types of alcohol allowed per outlet. Businesses would also be required to meet tax compliance standards. 

Manufacturing, import, and export licensing would be centralized under the National Government. Alcohol distribution would only be permitted between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., using licensed and branded vehicles. The proposals also include banning alcohol consumption by individuals carrying offensive weapons within any licensed outlet. 

Enforcement and oversight 

NACADA proposes barring public officials—at both county and national levels—from owning or operating alcohol-selling businesses either directly or through proxies. 

The policy recommends that county governments establish regulatory frameworks for licensing alcohol sales that involve community participation, a multi-agency approach, compliance with national standards, and safeguards against industry influence. 

These proposals follow NACADA’s February 2025 report on drug and substance use among university students, which revealed that 87.3% of students consume alcohol, with tobacco and shisha also prevalent. 

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