A coalition of civil society groups, child rights advocates, and public health experts has thrown its weight behind the newly launched National Policy for the Prevention, Management, and Control of Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse (2025), calling it a timely intervention to curb Kenya’s growing alcohol crisis.
In a joint statement, the organisations praised the government for “a bold step” to protect communities especially children, from the harms of alcohol abuse, while warning against misinformation and lobbying from commercial interests.
“Alcohol is driving a health crisis that is destroying productivity and family wellbeing,” the statement read. “This policy is about the people, not profits.”
The groups cited worrying data: one in every eight Kenyans uses alcohol, and one in 20 is addicted. Treatment remains largely unaffordable, with even the cheapest public rehab costing KSh60,000 for three months and private facilities charging up to KSh1 million.
They also pointed to alcohol’s role in domestic violence, child abuse, malnutrition, road accidents, and lost productivity in workplaces. “We cannot pretend all is well,” they said.
Among its measures, the policy proposes raising the minimum drinking age to 21, restricting alcohol marketing, and creating more alcohol-free spaces for young people.
While acknowledging it is “no silver bullet,” the groups said the policy could cut healthcare costs, boost productivity, and improve family wellbeing if swiftly translated into legislation and properly enforced by both national and county governments.
They urged Parliament to hold “sober discussions” guided by public health and human rights, and called on media, community leaders and the private sector to support prevention, treatment, and alternative livelihoods.
“We stand firmly behind this policy for our children, for our families, and for the future of our country,” they concluded.
