The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) is backing a proposal to raise Kenya’s legal drinking age from 18 to 21, citing compelling scientific evidence and global success stories in public health.
In a statement released this week, NACADA argued that increasing the legal age for alcohol consumption is a strategic move grounded in research showing that delaying alcohol initiation significantly reduces the risk of addiction, cognitive damage, and risky behavior among youth.
“Studies consistently show that the brain continues to develop well into a person’s mid-20s. Introducing alcohol at an early stage disrupts this process and heightens the risk of long-term harm,” the authority said.
NACADA pointed to countries like the United States, where the legal drinking age is 21, noting that such policies have resulted in lower rates of underage drinking, drunk-driving incidents, and alcohol-related deaths.
As the proposal gains momentum, public debate is expected to intensify. Supporters hail the initiative as a much-needed intervention to curb Kenya’s rising youth alcohol abuse rates, while critics argue it may face enforcement challenges.
Still, NACADA remains firm that the shift is a step toward protecting future generations. “This is about safeguarding the wellbeing of our youth and securing the future of the nation,” the agency emphasized.
