The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced plans to roll out tougher regulations on the sale and use of alcohol and drugs, targeting what it describes as a growing public health crisis, particularly among the youth.
This comes under the newly approved National Policy on the Prevention of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Use (2025), which was sanctioned by the Cabinet on June 24. The policy outlines stringent measures to curb the rampant abuse of substances across the country and grants NACADA enhanced powers to enforce the new directives.
Among the proposed rules is a ban on the sale of alcohol near learning institutions and places of worship, in a bid to create safer environments for students and worshippers. The policy also introduces a zero-tolerance approach to the irresponsible promotion and advertising of alcohol and drug-related products.
In a bold shift, the policy seeks to raise the legal drinking age to 21, while enhancing safeguards for those who choose to abstain from substance use. NACADA has also committed to introducing special protections for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups who may be at greater risk of substance-related harm.
The urgency of these measures is supported by findings from NACADA’s Status of Drugs and Substance Use Among University Students in Kenya report, released in February 2025. The study, which surveyed 15,678 undergraduate students from both public and private universities, revealed alarmingly high consumption rates.
According to the report, 87.3 per cent of university students consume alcohol, followed by 64.4 per cent who use cigarettes, and 41.2 per cent who indulge in shisha. The study also found that 66.4 per cent of students obtain substances from their peers, while 59.3 per cent cited neighbourhood canteens and bars as their main sources.
In response to these findings, NACADA has been actively engaging with local communities and partnering with faith-based organisations to enhance awareness and discourage the use of harmful substances.
The Authority believes that the implementation of the 2025 policy will not only help reduce access and exposure to drugs and alcohol but will also promote healthier lifestyles and provide support to those affected by substance use disorders.
As enforcement begins, the spotlight now shifts to how these measures will be received and upheld across different counties.
