Nairobi, July 14- The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) announces plans to raise Kenya’s legal drinking age from 18 to 21 as part of fresh government efforts to tackle rising alcohol and drug abuse among the youth.
The move is included in the 2025 National Policy on Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse, which receives Cabinet approval on June 24, 2025. Under this new directive, NACADA is granted full authority to spearhead reforms in curbing substance abuse nationwide.
“The Cabinet has approved the 2025 policy to ensure a coordinated national response to the growing alcohol and drug crisis,” NACADA says in a statement.
Recent statistics show that around 4.7 million Kenyans—roughly 13% of people aged 15 to 65—consume alcohol. A considerable proportion of this group are young adults between 18 and 24, many of whom are still in school or starting their careers.
By raising the minimum drinking age to 21, NACADA hopes to limit early alcohol exposure and reduce its long-term harm on young people’s health, academic progress, and productivity.
The new policy also introduces stricter controls on alcohol distribution. Bars, clubs, and liquor retailers will face tighter regulations, while enforcement will be strengthened through collaboration with local authorities and police.
Among the proposed measures is a total ban on online alcohol sales, including purchases via mobile apps and vending machines. The government also plans to prohibit home delivery of alcoholic beverages, a method seen as making it easier for minors to access alcohol.
“The online space has become a major loophole—young people are ordering alcohol from their phones and getting it delivered straight to their homes. This must end,” NACADA says.
Additionally, the policy introduces stricter zoning laws to prevent alcohol outlets from operating close to schools, churches, or residential areas.
