Govt Explains Banning Alcohol Sale in Supermarkets & Restaurants
The 'ban' has stirred massive debate amongst Kenyans...
✨ Key Highlights
The Kenyan government has clarified that proposed restrictions on alcohol sales, including in supermarkets and restaurants, are currently just proposals from a draft policy, not enacted regulations. The Ministry of Interior assured the public that these proposals will undergo extensive public participation before being presented to Parliament.
- Key proposals include banning alcohol sales in supermarkets, residential premises, restaurants, online, and home deliveries.
- The legal drinking age might be raised from 18 to 21 years.
- The proposals, from the draft National Policy for the Prevention, Management and Control of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse 2025, aim to curb high alcohol consumption and counterfeit alcohol, according to an official.
- This clarification comes amid public backlash due to misinterpretations of the proposals as immediate regulations, with concerns raised about their economic impact on businesses.
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Government Proposed Alcohol Policy and Import Approvals - July 2025
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) clarified that its new alcohol policy, launched by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, contains recommendations, not immediate bans, on issues such as alcohol advertising and online sales, ensuring public participation before enactment. The Kenyan government further explained that proposed restrictions on alcohol sales in supermarkets and restaurants are currently proposals from a draft policy, not enacted regulations, with assurances for extensive public consultation. In a separate development, the government has approved the duty-free import of 500,000 tonnes of Grade 1 white milled rice until December 31, 2025, to alleviate a rice shortage, aiming to ease pressure on the local market and aligning with the East African Community Customs Management Act of 2004.
