By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Many Kenyans have rejected the plans to control the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, which will also include raising the minimum drinking age from 18 to 21.
The move has been rejected by many Kenyans, especially those in the alcohol industry, who denounce it as misguided and potentially destructive to the economy.
The plan was unveiled on Wednesday by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in what was seen as one of the most aggressive anti-alcohol policies the country has seen.
It proposes a ban on the purchase of alcohol in supermarkets, restaurants and on public transport. Also, the online sale and home delivery of alcoholic drinks as well as celebrity endorsements will also be outlawed.
If approved, it implies that alcohol will only be available in pubs and bars as well as shops specifically licensed for its sale.
The authorities have defended the planned measures as necessary to address substance abuse, especially among the youth.
NACADA estimated in 2022 that one in every 20 Kenyans aged between 15 and 65 were addicted to alcohol.
Following the backlash against its proposals, the agency sent out a statement clarifying that its draft policy was a “road map, not an enforcement issue”, adding that the next step was to develop an implementation plan that would involve various stakeholders.
“Any proposal that requires legal backing will undergo a thorough law review process,” NACADA added.
Traders and alcohol manufacturers have joined in criticising NACADA’s plans, warning that their implementation could trigger a crisis in the industry.
They argue the measures would lead to widespread job losses and push consumers towards the illicit alcohol market.
The Alcoholic Beverage Association of Kenya (ABAK) said NACADA had developed the draft policy without consulting manufacturers, calling it “exclusionary” and “unrealistic”.
Kenya has had a pushback against youth insurrection since last year when President William Ruto attempted to hike tax amidst the high cost of living. The ensuing violence led to the death of dozens of persons and destruction of property.
Recent weeks have seen fresh youth-led demonstrations on the streets of Nairobi against police brutality, forcing the President to order security forces to apply brutal force on protesters looting shops and destroying businesses.
