NACADA Clarifies Laws Banning Alcohol Sale in Supermarkets, Restaurants

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has moved to clarify misinformation circulating regarding its latest policy recommendations on alcohol and substance abuse control, following an uproar over the proposed laws.

In a statement released on Wednesday, July 30, NACADA clarified that, contrary to media reports suggesting the authority was planning to ban alcohol advertising, sales in retail locations, and celebrity endorsements, no such policies have been introduced.

The authority emphasized that these measures are policy recommendations, not law, and stressed that any implementation would follow established legislative procedures.

"The next step after this launch is developing a multi-sectoral implementation framework, bringing together stakeholders from government, industry, civil society, and the public. This process will set out a phased plan for potential implementation, pending a thorough review process, which will be transparent and inclusive,” NACADA explained. 

The clarification comes after NACADA published its latest recommendations earlier on Wednesday, which included several stringent measures aimed at combating substance abuse among Kenyan youth.

According to the original recommendations, NACADA proposed raising the minimum legal drinking age in Kenya from 18 to 21 years as part of its effort to delay initiation and reduce drug use among young people.

The authority also recommended establishing alcohol- and drug-free zones around schools and faith-based institutions and integrating life skills, drug education, and mental health awareness into school curricula.

Among the most contentious recommendations were sweeping restrictions on alcohol marketing. NACADA called for a total ban on outdoor advertising, social media endorsements, and celebrity involvement in alcohol promotions.

The authority further recommended prohibiting marketing during children's programs, school events, and national holidays and pushing for mandatory health warning labels in English and Kiswahili on all alcoholic products.

To control access and availability, NACADA recommended banning online alcohol sales, vending machines, and home delivery services.

"We urge the media and the public to treat this policy as what it is, a wellness and an enforcement measure. NACADA's goal, as clearly outlined in the policy, is to protect our youth from the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse, making them a healthier, more productive society," the statement read.