The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has sounded the alarm over the widespread sale of alcoholic beverages to minors across Kenya. This worrying trend has been particularly prevalent in urban areas such as Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, and Ngong Road, where minors are reportedly using mobile phones to purchase alcohol from dispensing outlets located at petrol stations. NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa highlighted the issue, noting that operators are bypassing mandatory identification checks, often relying on mobile money transactions that do not verify customers’ ages. This is frequently assumed to mean that anyone with mobile money is over 18 years old, making it easier for underage individuals to gain access to alcohol.
The Authority’s investigation revealed that the convenience of mobile money payments, combined with a lack of stringent age verification at point-of-sale, has contributed significantly to this alarming trend. “This is not only a violation of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010, but also a serious risk to the health and wellbeing of our youth,” Dr. Omerikwa said. According to Section 32 (1) of the Act, it is illegal to sell or supply alcohol to anyone under 18 years. Violators can face fines of up to KES 150,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. The law also requires operators to demand proof of age through valid identification before serving customers, as stipulated in Section 32 (4).
The announcement of nationwide crackdowns, in collaboration with other enforcement agencies, marks NACADA’s proactive approach to curbing this trend. “As we approach the festive season, NACADA is committed to protecting the youth and ensuring that the sale of alcohol to minors is halted across the country,” said Omerikwa. The festive season, typically a time of increased social gatherings and celebrations, has historically seen a rise in alcohol-related incidents, especially among the youth. The crackdown aims to not only enforce existing laws but also educate both the public and businesses about the consequences of non-compliance.
The new strategy involves close coordination with the police and other local authorities to conduct inspections and raids at alcohol-selling establishments, especially those suspected of lax identification procedures. “The collaboration with enforcement agencies will ensure that operators adhere strictly to the law. We are looking at both punitive measures for non-compliance and educational outreach to prevent further violations,” Dr. Omerikwa emphasized. The targeted approach will include visits to bars, clubs, and other alcohol outlets where minors are likely to attempt purchases. It will also involve monitoring the sale of alcohol through mobile apps and online platforms to detect and prevent underage transactions.
NACADA’s nationwide crackdowns are not limited to the festive season but are intended to be a sustained effort throughout the year. The Authority has urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any outlets involved in illegal alcohol sales to minors. To assist in this, a toll-free helpline (1192) has been established for the public to report violations or seek advice on alcohol or drug-related issues. “Together, we can safeguard our youth and ensure a responsible and safe festive season for all,” said the NACADA boss.
In addition to the legal measures, NACADA is also rolling out community education programs to inform the public, especially parents, about the dangers of underage drinking. The aim is to create awareness about the long-term health risks, including addiction, impaired development, and other social consequences. The education drive will focus on young people and communities most at risk, encouraging a culture of responsibility and awareness regarding alcohol consumption.
The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010, remains a critical tool in regulating the sale of alcohol in Kenya, and the recent crackdowns demonstrate the seriousness with which NACADA views the enforcement of this legislation. By holding businesses accountable for their role in the sale of alcohol to minors, NACADA hopes to significantly reduce incidents of underage drinking and create a safer environment for the youth.
As Kenya gears up for the festive season, NACADA’s efforts will be crucial in preventing alcohol-related harm among minors. The nationwide crackdown, in partnership with other enforcement bodies, serves as a reminder that the responsibility for protecting the youth from the adverse effects of alcohol consumption extends beyond legislation it requires vigilance, education, and community involvement.
