The Kenyan government has approved a new national policy that raises the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 and restricts alcohol sales to licensed bars and restaurants only. The move is part of a broader strategy to combat alcohol and substance abuse in the country, according to the newly launched 2025 National Policy on the Prevention and Control of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Use, unveiled by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on July 29.
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Under the new policy framework, the sale of alcohol in supermarkets, convenience stores, homes, and online platforms will be outlawed. Only venues with bar or restaurant licenses will be permitted to retail alcohol, and these must be situated away from schools, religious institutions, and transport terminals. According to reporting by The Star, the new policy also prohibits vending machines and door-to-door delivery services for alcoholic products.
The policy introduces strict advertising controls targeting youth exposure. According to The EastAfrican, celebrity endorsements, price discounts, branded merchandise, and sponsorship of youth-centered events will be banned. New labeling requirements will mandate prominent health warnings in both English and Kiswahili, while establishments will be compelled to verify the age of all customers before serving alcoholic beverages.
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Business groups have expressed concern about the economic implications of the reforms. The Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK) and the Bar Owners Association warned that the changes could lead to widespread job losses and the collapse of thousands of small businesses that rely on packaged alcohol sales. According to Capital Business, stakeholders also criticized the policy for being developed without adequate industry consultation.
Although the policy has been adopted at the national level, it still requires formal legislation by Parliament and implementation by county governments. The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has indicated that a phased rollout is expected, with public education campaigns and legal drafting now underway to support enforcement over the coming months.
