'No ban on alcohol ads, online sales introduced yet': NACADA clarifies new policy concerns

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has dismissed claims that it has banned alcohol advertising, online sales, home deliveries, and celebrity endorsements, clarifying that no such measures have been enforced yet.

In a statement released Wednesday evening, NACADA said the National Policy for the Prevention, Management and Control of Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse (2025), launched earlier in the day, is a roadmap, not an enforcement tool.

“This is a national policy, and contrary to reports suggesting that NACADA has banned certain practices such as alcohol advertising, online sales, home deliveries, and celebrity endorsements, we wish to emphasise that no bans have been introduced,” NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa stated.

“These measures are currently policy recommendations, not law. Their inclusion aims to initiate legal and regulatory reviews, subject to proper procedures.”

The policy, unveiled by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in Nairobi on Wednesday, proposes sweeping changes to how alcohol and substance abuse are regulated in Kenya but will undergo a multi-sectoral implementation process before any binding actions are taken.

According to NACADA, the next steps include developing a framework that brings together stakeholders from government, civil society, the private sector, and the public.

“Any proposal that requires legal backing will undergo a thorough law review process, which will be transparent and inclusive,” the statement reads.

“Most importantly, public participation will be central to this process, enabling citizens, businesses, and interest groups to share their views and address any contentious issues before implementation.”

NACADA has thus urged both the public and the media to interpret the policy for what it is—a guidance document intended to shape future regulation, not a list of new prohibitions.

“NACADA’s goal, as clearly outlined in the policy, is to protect our youth from the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse, reduce related harm, and foster a healthier, more productive society,” Dr. Omerikwa added.

In the controversial proposal, NACADA wants the government to ban online sale of alcohol, alcohol discount promotions and the use of social media influencers, celebrities, and sports personalities in alcohol advertising. 

This will prohibit the use of public figures, including musicians, actors, athletes, social media influencers, and media personalities, to endorse or promote alcohol.

The Authority argues that the new measures outlined in the national policy target aggressive marketing strategies that it says have normalised alcohol use.

The proposed regulations outlaw price promotions such as discounts, free samples, flat-rate offers, as well as volume sales common in bars, supermarkets, and online retailers.

In its new report, the Authority also revealed an escalating drug use in the country, noting that 4.7 million Kenyans aged between 15 and 65 are currently using at least one drug or substance.