The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) is set to raise the legal drinking age in Kenya from 18 to 21 years as part of new government measures to fight rising alcohol and drug abuse among the youth.

This initiative is part of the broader 2025 National Policy on Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse, which was approved by the Cabinet on June 24.

The changes come after a directive from the Cabinet issued on June 24, 2025 gave NACADA full authority to implement necessary reforms in the fight against substance abuse.

“The Cabinet approved the 2025 policy to guide a coordinated and collaborative national response to the growing burden of alcohol and drug abuse,” Nacada noted in a statement.

According to recent data, approximately 4.7 million Kenyans, or 13% of the population aged 15 to 65, consume alcohol.

A significant portion of this group are young people between the ages of 18 and 24, many of whom are in school or early stages of their careers. 

NACADA believes that pushing the legal age to 21 will reduce early alcohol exposure and its long-term impacts on young people’s health, education, and productivity.

The new regulations are expected to affect alcohol retailers, bars, and entertainment establishments, with stricter enforcement anticipated through collaboration with local authorities and law enforcement.

Among the key changes is a ban on all forms of online alcohol sales, including through mobile apps and vending machines.

The government also plans to stop home delivery of alcoholic drinks, which has been blamed for making it easier for minors to access alcohol.

“The online space has become a loophole. Teenagers are ordering alcohol from their phones and getting it delivered to their homes. This must stop,” Nacada stated.

The policy will also introduce strict zoning regulations that prevent alcohol outlets from operating near schools, churches, or residential areas.