NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) is set to implement more stringent regulations concerning the sale and consumption of alcohol and other substances.
The proposed National Policy on the Prevention of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Use (2025) outlines rigorous measures that the Authority believes will effectively address the escalating alcohol consumption crisis in the country, particularly among the youth.
Key provisions of the policy include prohibiting the sale of alcohol near educational institutions and places of worship, while simultaneously enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to irresponsible alcohol and drug promotion.
Additionally, the policy aims to restrict alcohol sales to individuals under the age of 21 and enhance protective measures for those who choose to abstain from alcohol and drugs.
The Cabinet officially approved this comprehensive policy on June 24, granting NACADA the authority to enforce these new regulations.
Furthermore, NACADA plans to establish special safeguards designed to protect Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable populations from substance abuse.
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In February 2025, NACADA released the “Status of Drugs and Substance Use Among University Students in Kenya” report, which revealed that alcohol remains the most commonly used substance among university students.
The data indicated that 87.3 percent of students consume alcohol, followed by cigarettes at 64.4 percent, and shisha at 41.2 percent. The extensive study surveyed 15,678 undergraduate students from both public and private universities across Kenya.
The study also highlighted that 66.4 percent of respondents reported acquiring drugs or substances from their friends, while 59.3 percent sourced them from neighborhood canteens and bars.
In its ongoing efforts, the Authority has been actively engaging communities and collaborating with faith-based organizations to raise public awareness and sensitize citizens against the use of illicit substances.
