The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has endorsed a proposal to raise Kenya’s legal drinking age from 18 to 21 years, citing growing concerns over alcohol consumption among young people.
The authority says the move is aimed at curbing early exposure to alcohol and reducing long-term health and social risks associated with substance use.
Rising Alcohol Use Among Youth
The proposal is informed by findings from NACADA’s 2022 National Survey on the Status of Drugs and Substance Use, which highlights worrying trends among young people.
According to the report, alcohol remains the most commonly used substance in Kenya, with a prevalence rate of 11.8 percent—equivalent to over 3.1 million people.
Among youths aged 15 to 24 years, 5.2 percent, representing approximately 367,608 individuals, are currently consuming alcohol. NACADA warns that this early initiation often leads to continued use into adulthood.
In the 25 to 35 age group, alcohol consumption rises significantly to 14 percent, translating to about 1.14 million people. The increase is largely attributed to greater financial independence and social mobility among young adults.
Early Exposure Raises Alarm
The agency has also raised concerns about alcohol use among school-going children, pointing to early exposure below the legal threshold.
Among secondary school students, 3.8 percent—over 82,000 learners—are already consuming alcohol. In primary schools, 2.6 percent, representing more than 127,000 pupils, have reportedly used alcohol.
NACADA warns that such early exposure could negatively affect cognitive development, academic performance, and overall health.
“The data shows a clear trajectory—early initiation leads to higher consumption in later years. Intervening at the legal access point is critical,” the authority noted in its policy position.
Push for Policy and Enforcement
NACADA maintains that raising the legal drinking age to 21 is a preventive measure designed to protect adolescents and young adults from the risks of alcohol use, including dependency and risky behaviour.
The proposal also aligns with broader interventions such as stricter enforcement of alcohol regulations, public awareness campaigns, and improved access to rehabilitation services.
However, critics argue that enforcement remains a major challenge. Some have questioned whether increasing the legal age alone will effectively address alcohol abuse without stronger implementation mechanisms.
One public comment on NACADA’s platform read: “Alcoholism is not messing underage drinkers but mostly jobless youths who are actually above 21 years. Let’s address the why and not the who.”
Despite the debate, NACADA insists that legislative reform is a necessary step in addressing what it describes as a deepening alcohol crisis among Kenya’s youth.
