The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has defended its proposal to raise Kenya’s legal drinking age from 18 to 21.
In a statement, the Authority described it as a scientifically backed and life-saving move aimed at protecting young people, with evidence from countries like the United States (US).
Further, NACADA said the proposed change is a well-informed prevention strategy that includes public health best practices.
Additionally, it noted that there are concerns over early alcohol use among teens and young adults in Kenya.
“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.”
“Studies consistently show that delaying alcohol initiation reduces the risk of addiction, cognitive impairment, and risky behaviors among youth, as the brain continues developing until the mid-20s,” stated NACADA.
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NACADA on Kenya Learning from the US
Moreover, NACADA highlighted the United States, which enforces a minimum legal drinking age of 21, as an example of successful policies that have reduced alcohol-related harm.
According to the authority, countries with higher drinking age limits report lower rates of underage drinking, drunk-driving deaths, and alcohol-linked injuries.
“Countries like the U.S., 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,” NACADA noted.
Recent data from NACADA reveals that nearly 13% of Kenyans aged 15 to 65, roughly 4.7 million people, consume alcohol, with the highest rates recorded among young adults aged 18 to 24.
Also, close to one in every 10 high school students admits to having consumed alcohol, and the average age of first-time drinking is steadily declining.
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Reactions From Kenyans
Also, under the proposed regulations, alcohol outlets will no longer be allowed to operate within 300 metres of schools, places of worship, or residential areas.
The sale of alcohol online will be illegal, and all home deliveries of alcoholic drinks will be unlawful.
Consequently, while some Kenyans have supported NACADA’s proposal to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21, others have raised concerns over the impact on businesses.
X User, Kipaton1, agreed with the authority’s concerns around alcohol accessibility and its effects on mental health in urban settings.
“Food delivery to your doorstep is one thing, but alcohol is a whole other thing,” he stated.
However, user jumaf3 dismissed the proposals as out of touch, asking rhetorically, “Wanaota hawa?”, which is loosely translated as “Are they dreaming?”
X user My_names_not, called the framing of urban isolation an imported concept.
The user argued that alcohol delivery doesn’t promote loneliness but actually enables socialization within homes.
“Have you seen urban areas here? Urban isolation is a Western problem, not an African one.”
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