Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reiterated his firm support for the proposed National Policy on the Prevention, Management, and Control of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse in Kenya.
The policy, spearheaded by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), seeks to curb rising substance abuse, especially among youth, by introducing stricter alcohol regulation.
Murkomen stated that the government cannot prioritise profit over the wellbeing of children, asserting,
“This policy is about securing the future of our country—our children’s lives must come first.”
The policy proposes several bold measures, including raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21, banning alcohol sales near schools and places of worship, and tightening advertising and licensing laws.
Online sales, home deliveries, and vending machines would also be heavily restricted.
Murkomen acknowledged industry backlash but remained unmoved, emphasizing that economic concerns must not override the urgent need to protect Kenyan youth from addiction, mental health crises, and societal breakdowns caused by alcohol and drug abuse.
While the policy is still in the recommendation phase and awaits public consultation and legislative review, Murkomen has pledged to shepherd it through Parliament.
He urged religious leaders, civil society, and parents to rally behind the initiative.
“The future of Kenya cannot be built on the back of alcohol profits,” he declared.
“We must act now—not later—if we are to save a generation.”
Public participation forums are expected to begin this month, with NACADA leading stakeholder engagement to ensure a balanced but uncompromising approach to public health and child safety.
