By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Online alcohol vendors in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital are facing a fresh restrictions after the High Court ordered digital platforms to introduce strict age-verification measures, restrict access to alcohol listings and obtain the necessary licences before selling or delivering alcoholic drinks.
In interim orders issued on Monday, November 9, Justice David Mburu suspended online alcohol sales and deliveries within Nairobi City County unless operators comply with the conditions set by the court.
The orders affect e-commerce applications, websites and other digital marketplaces involved in the sale and supply of alcoholic drinks.
The judge directed that all online vendors and platforms must have the licences and authorisations required by law before conducting alcohol-related business.
The court further ordered that alcoholic drinks be listed only in separately designated and access-restricted sections of digital platforms.
Customers must undergo secure authentication, such as password or PIN verification, before accessing these sections. Platforms must also establish reliable age-verification systems to ensure that users are at least 18 years old.
The court extended the age checks to the actual purchase and delivery process.
Under the orders, a buyer’s age must be verified before a transaction is completed, while the age of the person receiving the alcohol must be independently confirmed before the drinks are handed over or delivered.
Justice Mburu also restrained the advertisement, marketing and promotion of alcoholic drinks through hyperlinks, interactive advertisements and other digital mechanisms that direct users to purchasing platforms without first complying with the prescribed authentication and age-verification requirements.
The orders followed an urgent application filed by David Biketi Wati against the Nairobi City County Government, the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board and other parties.
The judge certified the application as urgent and granted prayers two and three on an interim basis pending the hearing and determination of the application.
The court intervention comes as Nairobi County moves to tighten regulation of the alcohol industry through the proposed Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Bill, 2026.
The proposed legislation seeks to address emerging challenges in the sector, including the growing popularity of online alcohol sales and delivery services.
Trade and Hustler Opportunities Chief Officer Lydia Mathia said the Bill would bring online alcohol businesses and delivery services under stronger regulatory oversight while tightening licensing requirements.
She said the proposed reforms were intended to protect consumers, particularly young people, while ensuring legitimate liquor businesses operate within a transparent and accountable regulatory framework.
Mathia also raised concerns about underage drinking, irresponsible alcohol advertising, counterfeit and illicit liquor, and the need to strengthen consumer protection.
