The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has raised alarm over reports of minors purchasing alcoholic drinks in Nairobi’s affluent estates.
In a statement released on Tuesday, December 17, NACADA condemned business owners who have been selling alcohol to underage buyers, particularly from outlets located within petrol stations in areas such as Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, and along Ngong Road.
The authority noted a disturbing trend where minors are increasingly using mobile phones and mobile money transactions to purchase alcohol, bypassing the age verification process. According to NACADA, many vendors assume that individuals using mobile money services are adults, further contributing to this growing problem.
“This alarming trend is linked to the increased reliance on mobile money transactions, bypassing the requirement of verifying customers’ ages. This is often premised on the assumption that anyone with mobile money is over 18 years old,” the statement read in part.
NACADA emphasized the provisions of The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010, which strictly prohibits selling alcohol to individuals under 18. The authority reminded alcohol vendors that selling to minors is punishable by a fine of up to KSh 150,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Additionally, outlets are required to verify the age of all customers by demanding proper identification before serving alcohol, and failure to do so constitutes a criminal offense.
The statement also highlighted the importance of adhering to regulated operating hours as prescribed by respective County Alcoholic Drinks Control Committees. Outlets operating outside the designated hours risk severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and license revocation.
As the festive season approaches, NACADA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Kenyan youth by ramping up enforcement. The authority announced plans for nationwide crackdowns in collaboration with other enforcement agencies to ensure strict compliance with the law. NACADA further urged members of the public to report outlets illegally selling alcohol to minors through its toll-free helpline, 1192.
This is not the first time NACADA has flagged concerns about underage drinking. On August 28, 2024, the authority responded to a viral clip showing students dangerously riding in a matatu to an unknown destination. At the time, NACADA highlighted the risks posed by alcohol and drug use, particularly during school holidays and transit periods.
“It is our collective responsibility to protect our children from the dangers posed by alcohol and drug use,” NACADA stated, urging parents, guardians, and school authorities to remain vigilant. Parents were encouraged to monitor their children’s travel arrangements and educate them on the risks associated with substance abuse.
The authority also called on schools to strengthen preventive measures, including awareness campaigns, peer support groups, and counselling services. By fostering open communication and educating students about the dangers of alcohol and drug use, NACADA hopes to reduce the prevalence of substance abuse among minors.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the youth, calling for collective action to curb the sale and distribution of alcohol to minors.
