Kenya Bans Alcohol in Public Spaces, Raises Legal Drinking Age to 21 in Sweeping Policy Shift

Kenya’s National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has unveiled a new national policy aimed at drastically limiting alcohol and drug consumption in the country. The “National Policy for the Prevention, Management and Control of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse of July 2025” outlines an ambitious framework to prevent, reduce and control the availability of alcohol and related substances, with a focus on protecting the youth and reducing public health risks.

One of the most striking changes is the increase in the minimum legal drinking age from 18 to 21 years. Under this regulation, individuals under 21 will no longer be permitted to access or enter any premises selling alcohol—regardless of whether they are accompanied by an adult.

Home delivery of liquor, a convenient option for many urban residents, has also been banned. Social media influencers, celebrities, models, and personalities in sports and media have been barred from endorsing, promoting or advertising alcoholic products, drugs or substances. This clause aims to end the glamorization of alcohol in popular culture, especially among younger audiences.

In a sweeping move, the government has also restricted the sale and consumption of alcohol in a wide array of public and commercial spaces. These include vending machines, public beaches, parks, amusement and recreation facilities, medical centers, sports venues, bus and railway stations, ferries, petrol stations, public transportation, and highway rest areas. The sale of alcohol has further been banned in supermarkets, toy shops, residential premises, restaurants, educational institutions of all levels, and via online platforms or couriers.

To prevent subtle branding influences, the new law also prohibits any alcohol-related companies from naming sports teams after alcoholic drinks or sponsoring tournaments, leagues, or national teams.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen noted that the new policy was the result of joint efforts by stakeholders across Kenya—from national and county governments to civil society, faith-based organizations, private institutions, and the general public. “Together, we have forged a unified approach to prevent, mitigate, and control the devastating impact of alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse in our nation,” he stated.

NACADA has been charged with implementing the policy, including mobilizing and aligning stakeholders, designing interventions, and monitoring outcomes aimed at reducing substance abuse.

The policy is underpinned by alarming findings from a 2022 national survey conducted by NACADA in partnership with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Tobacco Control Board. The report revealed that substance use among children starts as early as 6 years for tobacco, 7 for alcohol, 8 for cannabis and prescription drugs, and 9 for khat. Heroin and cocaine had slightly higher average initiation ages of 18 and 20 years, respectively.

Alcohol remains the most abused substance in Kenya, with significant impacts on both health and productivity. Survey statistics indicate that 1 in 6 Kenyans (4.7 million people aged 15–65) currently uses at least one drug or substance. Of these, 3.2 million consume alcohol, 2.3 million use tobacco, over 500,000 use cannabis, and more than 60,000 misuse prescription medication. Approximately 1.77 million Kenyans engage in polydrug use, involving more than one substance.

The data further shows that 1.36 million Kenyans are addicted to alcohol, 887,627 to tobacco, and 234,855 to cannabis. Alarmingly, 42.4% of current alcohol users are dependent, along with 38.8% of tobacco users and 47.4% of cannabis users.

Kenya’s new alcohol policy marks a bold step in the battle against addiction and a renewed national focus on protecting future generations from the dangers of substance abuse.

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