On July 31, 2025, NACADA launched the National Policy for the Prevention, Management, and Control of Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse (2025) in Kenya, which proposes measures geared toward curbing alcohol abuse, significantly among the many youth.
Key proposals embrace elevating the authorized ingesting age to 21, banning the sale of alcohol in particular areas similar to supermarkets, residential areas, and close to faculties and locations of worship, and proscribing alcohol promoting by prohibiting celeb endorsements, way of life advertising, and commercials throughout watershed hours.
These proposals sparked speedy public debate, with a majority of residents criticizing them.
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NACADA Introduces Proposals to Curb Alcohol Abuse
While the federal government argues that these measures are a part of a broader technique to cut back alcohol-related well being issues and social points, particularly amongst youth and adolescents, these modifications might considerably affect a number of companies that depend on alcohol gross sales, doubtlessly resulting in job losses for 1000’s of Kenyans.
Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, criticized the proposal, stating, “Content creators usually are not simply influencers; they’re entrepreneurs, digital advertisers, and job creators. Kenya’s digital financial system is younger and rising. Regulation is important, maybe necessary, however NACADA should interact, not silence. We want good, inclusive coverage—not blanket bans.”
On his half, Dr. Austin Omondi- a medic- questioned NACADA’s motives, suggesting that the transfer might render many individuals jobless.
“In a rustic scuffling with employment, how does this new alcohol sale ban have an effect on employment charges? Is there a contingency plan to soak up these displaced employees?” he requested.
Businesses That Could be Affected if the Proposals Sail Through
One group risking closure of its operations is the web supply riders, because the proposal bans the web sale of alcohol, eliminating dwelling supply companies.
Additionally, grocery store cashiers and shelf stockers could face job losses because of the prohibition of alcohol gross sales inside grocery store premises.
Content creators, significantly those that function model ambassadors for numerous alcohol manufacturers, are additionally in danger, because the proposals would prohibit them from selling alcoholic merchandise.
Event-based alcohol distributors can be affected as properly, as the federal government proposes banning alcohol gross sales in public seashores, parks, amusement parks, and leisure amenities. Small wine and spirit kiosk attendants, who’ve established their companies in these leisure areas, may be rendered jobless if the proposal turns into legislation.
Workers in breweries and distilleries might additionally face layoffs since one proposal seeks to ban using merchandising machines for alcohol gross sales.
Other teams in danger embrace youth model ambassadors below 25, in addition to taxi and boda boda riders who function throughout evening shifts.
