Kenya has set out to tackle what government ministers have reportedly called “substance abuse”, including raising the country’s legal drinking age from 18 to 21.
According to local reports, Kenya’s government also plans to curb online sales and home deliveries.
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The new regulation also includes the setting-up of alcohol-free zones around schools and churches, Kenyan newspaper The Daily Nation reported.
The reforms are being led by Kenya’s National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), which is implementing the proposals.
According to The Daily Nation, the latest figures from NACADA show approximately 13% of Kenyans between the ages of 15 and 65 consume alcohol – an estimated 4.7 million individuals. The highest rates of consumption are found among young adults aged 18 to 24.
In a statement published on X, NACADA said the proposal to raise the legal drinking age to 21 is a “well-informed prevention strategy grounded in scientific research, public health best practices, and evidence from global success stories”.
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By GlobalDataIt added: “Studies consistently show that delaying alcohol initiation reduces the risk of addiction, cognitive impairment, and risky behaviours among youth, as the brain continues developing until the mid-20s.
“Countries like the US, which enforce a 21-year drinking age, report lower rates of underage drinking, drunk-driving fatalities, and alcohol-related harm compared to those with lower limits,” the statement said.
Just Drinks has approached Diageo and Heineken, two multinationals selling in Kenya, for comment.
Alex Chappatte, the founder and CEO of African Originals, a Kenya-based business marketing cider, spirits and soft drinks, said: “As alcohol producers, we take our responsibility seriously, especially when it comes to encouraging responsible drinking.
“But instead of restricting choice, we believe the focus should be on educating drinkers on how to enjoy alcohol mindfully. Raising the legal drinking age risks pushing curious young adults towards unsafe, illicit brews which is an outcome that’s far more dangerous than informed, regulated access.”
