NACADA CLARIFIES POLICY ON ALCOHOL BAN & ADVERTISING  

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has issued an urgent clarification regarding widespread media reports of the newly launched National Policy for the Prevention, Management and Control of Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse (2025).

The policy was officially unveiled by Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, marking a step in Kenya’s comprehensive strategy to address substance abuse.

However, NACADA has noted that certain media outlets have erroneously reported the policy as imposing immediate bans on: Alcohol advertising, online sales of alcoholic beverages, home deliveries of alcohol and Celebrity endorsements of alcohol brands.

Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, NACADA Chief Executive Officer, stated, “These measures are currently policy recommendations, not law. Their inclusion aims to initiate legal and regulatory reviews, subject to proper procedures.”

Following the policy launch, NACADA will spearhead the development of a multi-sectoral implementation framework that brings together critical stakeholders across Kenyan society. This collaborative approach will include active participation from government agencies, industry representatives, civil society organizations, and most importantly, direct public involvement to ensure all voices are heard.

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