The National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) has proposed an increase within the consuming age restrict from 18 years to 21 years. This proposal beneath the 2025 National Policy on Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse was introduced on July 14 and is pending authorities and parliamentary approval.
NACADA, in a press release, defended the plan, noting that it’s grounded in scientific analysis, public well being greatest practices, and proof from international success tales.
“Studies constantly present that delaying alcohol initiation reduces the danger of dependancy, cognitive impairment, and dangerous behaviors amongst youth, because the mind continues growing till the mid-20’s,” NACADA famous.
“Countries just like the USA which implement a 21-year consuming age report decrease charges of underage consuming, drunk-driving fatalities and alcohol-related hurt in comparison with these with decrease limits.”
While NACADA defends this coverage directive, liquor retailer homeowners and a piece of Kenyans are towards the proposal. Liquor enterprise operators have raised issues, claiming majority of their clients are 18 years previous.
Kenyans Share Views on Proposed Drinking Age Limit
They argue that this directive, accompanied by the rise in alcohol costs, may result in diminished gross sales and the closure of their retailers. Some merchants even proposed the age restrict to be dropped to 16 years previous, to guard their companies.
On the opposite hand, a piece of Kenyans absolutely helps this age enhance citing that the authorized consuming age must be raised to as excessive as 50, noting rising issues over dependancy, unemployment and youth indiscipline.
