The High Court has stopped online alcohol sellers in Nairobi from taking orders and delivering drinks unless they put in place strict measures to verify buyers’ ages and restrict access to their sales platforms.
In orders issued on Monday, November 9, Justice David Mburu directed e-commerce platforms and other digital marketplaces to create separate sections for alcohol sales. The sections must be restricted to users who have verified their identity and confirmed they are at least 18 years old.
Customers must enter a password, PIN or use another secure authentication method before accessing the alcohol section. Their age must also be verified before they can place an order.
The checks will not end at the point of purchase. Delivery workers will be required to confirm that the person receiving the alcohol is aged 18 or above before handing over the order.
The judge also directed that online platforms, vendors and anyone involved in selling or supplying alcoholic drinks must have the licences required by law.
The orders also bar ads and links which lead customers directly to alcohol buying pages before confirming their identity and age.
The case was brought by David Biketi Wati against the Nairobi City County Government, the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board and other respondents.
The orders have been granted on an interim basis pending hearing of the petition as the application has been certified urgent by Justice Mburu.
The case is listed for mention on November 18 when the court will consider compliance.
This ruling has come at a time when the Parliament of Kenya is considering the Alcoholic Drinks and Drugs Control Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
One of the changes being proposed in this Bill is raising the minimum age to buy alcoholic drinks from 18 to 21 years. The Bill also proposes a Ksh2 levy for each liter of alcoholic drinks produced and imported to the country. In addition, there is a proposal to ban the sale of alcohol online, couriers and deliveries.
