The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has backed a legislative proposal to raise Kenya’s legal drinking age from 18 to 21 years.
The institution cited rising alcohol consumption among young people and growing public health concerns.
The proposal is informed by data from NACADA’s 2022 National Survey on the Status of Drugs and Substance Use, which shows patterns of alcohol use across different age groups, particularly among young people.
According to the report, alcohol remains the most commonly used substance in Kenya, with a prevalence rate of 11.8 percent among the general population, equivalent to over 3.1 million people.
Among youths aged 15 to 24 years, 5.2 percent, representing 367,608 individuals, are currently consuming alcohol. NACADA says this points to early initiation into drinking, which may contribute to continued use later in life.
In the 25 to 35 age bracket, alcohol consumption rises significantly. In this group, 14 percent, approximately 1.14 million people, report drinking alcohol, indicating an increase as young adults gain financial independence and social mobility.
NACADA argues that this trend supports the need for stricter regulatory measures, including raising the legal age of alcohol access to 21 years.
By raising the minimum drinking age, the authority says it aims to reduce early exposure and lower long-term risks associated with alcohol use.
“The data shows a clear trajectory early initiation leads to higher consumption in later years. Intervening at the legal access point is critical,” NACADA notes in its policy position.
The agency has also raised concern over alcohol use among school-going children, where exposure is reported at younger ages.
Among secondary school students, 3.8 percent, equivalent to over 82,000 learners, are already consuming alcohol, suggesting exposure and experimentation below the current legal threshold.
In primary schools, 2.6 percent of pupils, over 127,000 children, have reportedly used alcohol.
NACADA says these findings point to early-stage exposure that could affect cognitive development, academic performance and overall health.
Public health experts have associated early alcohol use with a higher likelihood of dependency, risky behaviour and adverse social outcomes.
The authority maintains that raising the legal drinking age is a preventive measure aimed at protecting vulnerable groups, particularly adolescents and young adults.
The proposal also aligns with broader calls for youth-focused interventions, including stricter enforcement of alcohol regulations, increased public awareness campaigns and improved access to rehabilitation services.
Critics, however, argue that enforcement remains a major challenge, questioning whether raising the legal age alone would effectively address the problem without stronger implementation mechanisms.
“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,” read a comment on NACADA’s post.
Despite these concerns, NACADA maintains that legislative reform is a necessary step in addressing what it describes as a “deepening alcohol crisis” among Kenya’s youth.
