Alcohol manufacturers and county liquor licensing boards have called for the withdrawal of the Alcoholic Drinks and Drugs Control Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, warning that the proposed legislation could threaten thousands of jobs, reduce government revenue and undermine county governments’ constitutional mandate.
The Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK) and the Caucus of Liquor Licensing and Control Boards of Kenya have separately opposed the Bill, which was introduced in the National Assembly on November 5, citing economic and constitutional concerns.
ABAK has warned that the proposed increase in the minimum legal drinking age from 18 to 21 years could put approximately Sh3.3 billion in annual retail and hospitality revenues at risk, alongside Sh1.8 billion in government tax revenue, 8,960 jobs and 1,792 licensed outlets.
The association said the Bill also proposes a Sh2 per litre levy on legitimate alcohol manufacturers, which could impose an additional Sh1.3 billion annual burden on the industry.
Other proposed measures include restrictions on supermarket, restaurant and online alcohol sales, additional national licensing and product registration requirements, limits on alcohol transportation hours and the establishment of a committee to approve alcohol advertising and promotions.
ABAK Chair Kui Kinyanjui warned that the measures could make legally manufactured alcohol more expensive and push consumers towards cheaper, unregulated alternatives.
“Coming at a time when our industry is under significant pressure from illicit alcohol providers, this Bill risks weakening legitimate businesses while creating more room for illicit alcohol to flourish. This will affect thousands of jobs, affect planned investments, reduce government revenue and ultimately expose consumers to greater harm,” said Kinyanjui.
The association cited a 2025 Euromonitor International study indicating that illicit alcohol accounts for approximately 60 per cent of Kenya’s alcohol market by litres of alcohol equivalent, with illicit volumes having increased by 27 per cent since 2022.
Meanwhile, the Caucus of Liquor Licensing and Control Boards of Kenya, representing boards from all 47 counties, has accused the proposed legislation of attempting to centralise a function constitutionally assigned to county governments.
In a statement dated November 9, the caucus argued that the Bill could undermine devolution by introducing national-level regulatory structures without adequate involvement of county governments.
The caucus maintained that the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution assigns liquor licensing to county governments and that this responsibility cannot be transferred to the national government through ordinary legislation.
Its National Chairman, Julius Owino Ndeke, raised concerns over the establishment of national committees and regulatory arrangements dealing with alcohol control without the participation of county liquor licensing boards.
The caucus also questioned whether the legislative process adequately protects the Senate’s constitutional role in matters affecting county governments.
While supporting stronger national coordination in tackling illicit alcohol and alcohol abuse, the caucus called for the withdrawal of the Bill and consultations involving the Senate, Council of Governors and county liquor licensing boards.
ABAK similarly called for broader stakeholder engagement, arguing that effective alcohol regulation should balance public health objectives with the protection of legitimate businesses, employment and government revenue.
The association also warned that restricting alcohol distribution to between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. could disrupt supply chains, increase logistics costs and conflict with Kenya’s ambition to establish a 24-hour economy.
Both organisations maintain that tackling harmful alcohol consumption and illicit trade remains important, but insist that any new regulatory framework must respect constitutional responsibilities and consider its wider economic implications.
