KENYA ENFORCES SWEEPING ALCOHOL RESTRICTIONS IN BOLD NEW NACADA DIRECTIVE

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has banned the sale of alcohol in ten categories of locations, including supermarkets. In a notice dated Wednesday, July 30, NACADA stated that the move aims to prevent, reduce, and control access to alcohol, drugs, and substances of abuse. Effective immediately, the sale of alcohol is prohibited through online platforms, home deliveries, and couriers. The ban also covers supermarkets, petrol stations, restaurants, residential areas, toy shops, vending machines, and any outlets associated with children. Alcohol sales are also banned in public places such as beaches, parks, amusement and recreational facilities, medical and sports venues, and transport hubs like bus parks, bus stops, railway stations, ferries, piers, and highways.

Hawking of alcohol is now illegal. Additionally, alcohol sales in all educational institutions—basic, tertiary, and university levels—are banned. Events targeting children, such as festivals, parties, sports, and recreational gatherings, are not allowed to offer or serve alcohol. Selling alcohol to individuals accompanied by children is also prohibited. Alcohol consumption has been outlawed in the same public spaces mentioned above, including beaches, parks, transport hubs, and medical and sports centres. Even restaurants and dining areas in hotels and members’ clubs fall under the restricted zones. No person under the age of 21 will be permitted to enter alcohol-selling outlets, regardless of whether they are accompanied by an adult. The legal drinking age has been raised from 18 to 21.

The authority has banned consumption of alcohol in outlets by or to individuals carrying offensive weapons. Furthermore, alcohol retail or wholesale outlets are prohibited within 300 metres of any nursery, primary, secondary, or higher learning institution. The number of alcohol outlets in any area will be limited based on population size and other key factors, and their operating hours will be regulated.

Alcohol packaging smaller than 250ml will no longer be permitted. Licences for general retail alcohol outlets—including wines and spirits shops, supermarkets, and franchises—will be restricted. The framework for on-license outlets will be reviewed to control the types of alcoholic drinks allowed for sale and distribution.

To prevent conflicts of interest, public officers involved in enforcement or compliance at both national and county levels will be barred from owning or operating alcohol outlets directly or indirectly. Counties must create institutional frameworks for licensing that involve community input, a multi-agency approach, and full adherence to national standards free from industry influence. NACADA has also emphasized the need for responsible alcohol service training for staff in entertainment venues and retail outlets to promote accountability and prevent alcohol abuse.