Stakeholders in Kenya’s alcohol-selling industry have criticised a new set of proposed alcohol control measures by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada).
They have termed the new rules as unnecessary, legally questionable and potentially damaging to a sector still recovering from economic strain.
Speaking during a joint press briefing in Nairobi, chairperson of the Pubs, Entertainment and Restaurants Association of Kenya Michael Muthami, together with representatives from the Pubs and Restaurants Vigilance and Risk Safety Kenya, noted that Nacada’s proposals lack a legal or executive foundation and warned against unilateral action by the agency.
“There is no executive order I have read saying this is happening. There is no law effecting those policies. Nacada cannot just wake up and say we have new policies,” Mr Muthami said.
Among the sweeping reforms Nacada seeks to introduce are raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21, banning alcohol sales near schools, places of worship and residential estates.
The new laws also prohibit online and home delivery of alcoholic drinks, outlaws celebrity endorsements of alcoholic beverages, particularly during children's programming or school events.
Of particular concern to artists and entertainers is the proposed ban on influencers, including musicians and celebrities from endorsing or advertising alcohol, a move that could cut off a vital income stream in an already challenged creative economy.
Mr Muthami argued that new laws are unnecessary, as current legislation is sufficient if properly enforced.
“We do not need more laws. What we need is more implementation. If it is illicit liquor, we already have so many laws,” he said, warning that further restrictions and taxes would drive consumers toward unsafe, illegal brews.
He urged the government to collaborate with stakeholders before formulating and implementing new regulations.
“We need to come together as stakeholders and talk. There has been no engagement with Nacada yet we are the ones directly affected. This feels like a first salvo to see what sticks,” he said.
Chairperson of the pubs and restaurants Edwardo Waigwa called for the protection of compliant businesses and artists’ livelihoods.
Pavrisk is currently the only body licensed by the Kenya Copyright Board to collect and issue copyright licences for the commercial use of music and audiovisual content.
The stakeholders urged the government to prioritise the enforcement of existing laws and support the creative industry, rather than introducing punitive measures that could stifle legal business operations and creative expression.
