Kenyans could have to wait until they are 21 to legally buy or consume alcohol if a Bill seeking to raise the drinking age from 18 is passed by Parliament.
The Alcoholic Drinks and Drugs Control Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was tabled for its first reading in the National Assembly on Thursday, November 5, setting the stage for debate on the proposed changes.
The Bill also proposes a levy of Ksh2 per litre on alcoholic drinks manufactured or imported into Kenya. The money would be used to support alcohol regulation and efforts to address drug abuse.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, while presenting the proposal, said raising the legal drinking age would help protect young people from the effects of early alcohol consumption.
“Our many children at 18 years of age are still very young and cannot consciously tell the good from the bad in their lives. And, hence, we feel that it is necessary to raise the age limit for the consumption of alcoholic drinks from 18 years of age to 21 years of age,” he added.
According to the new Bill, there will be a National Committee on Control of Alcoholic Drinks which will control the regulation of alcohol and also the licencing of producers and importers.
According to the proposed financing structure, fifty per cent of the income earned from the levy each year will be used to operate the committee and not less than fifteen per cent for civil society groups working against drugs.
Bill bans sale of drinks via internet, courier services and vending machines.
It also proposes barring alcohol outlets from operating within 300 metres of learning institutions. Licensed premises would not be allowed to admit anyone below the age of 21.
During the debate, Dadaab MP Farah Maalim questioned why the proposed law had not included miraa and muguka, saying the substances should also be considered in efforts to control drug use.
“I’m happy with the fact that you are trying to control the consumption of alcohol. It would have been better if it were banned 100 per cent. But why didn’t you include Miraa and Muguka in this Bill?” he asked.
The proposed amendments also seek to increase penalties for offences under the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act. Those found in violation could face fines of up to Ksh10 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
The proposals are not yet law and will have to go through the parliamentary process before any of the changes can take effect.