Church leaders in Kenya have welcomed new government proposals to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21, saying the move could help stem the tide of drug and alcohol abuse plaguing families across the country.
The Kenya Council of Church Alliances and Ministries (KCCAM) praised the proposals, which were unveiled by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
The plans also include banning alcohol sales in supermarkets, restaurants, and on public transport.
“This is a bold and long-overdue step,” said Bishop Geoffrey Njuguna. “Alcohol has become dangerously normalized among adolescents, and we are now seeing the consequences in broken families, rising cases of depression, and economic decline.”
Religious leaders are calling for full implementation of the proposals and further action to limit demand for alcohol. They warn that unless the deeper societal drivers of addiction are addressed, restrictions could push alcohol sales underground and fuel the growth of illicit brews, which are often more dangerous.
KCCAM urged the government to involve faith groups, community leaders, and legitimate business owners in designing and enforcing the new regulations.
“This must be a national effort,” said Bishop Hudson Ndeda. “If we’re serious about tackling substance abuse, we need a united front that prioritizes the safety of our youth while safeguarding livelihoods.”
The proposals sparked fierce debate among Kenyans and the alcohol franchises who said the regulations will impact many employees and farmers.
