A delegation of church leaders has fully endorsed the government’s decision to raise the legal drinking age to 21 from 18, terming it an important step in tackling Kenya’s spiraling substance abuse issue.
Under the Kenya Council of Church Alliances and Ministries (KCCAM), the clergy praised the proposals by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), which also include banning the sale of alcohol in supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation vehicles.
Addressing a news conference in Nairobi, the leaders of KCCAM stated that the nation is experiencing an escalating crisis fueled by the generalized availability and normalization of alcohol—particularly among the youth.
“We’ve seen the damage alcohol and drug abuse is causing in our families,” said Bishop Geoffrey Njuguna, who heads governance at KCCAM. “Parents are overwhelmed, schools are affected, the economy is strained, and the healthcare system is under pressure.”
The clergy said alcohol advertising needs tighter regulation, especially on TV and radio during hours when children are likely to be watching or listening.
“Alcohol ads should not be aired when our children are still awake,” said Bishop Hudson Ndeda, National Chair of the Church Council of Africa-Kenya. “Passing laws is easy—what matters is how firmly we enforce them.”
KCCAM National Chair Bishop Kepha Omae urged the government to address both supply and demand, warning that pushing alcohol underground could worsen the problem.
“If we’re not careful, we’ll see a rise in illicit brews and even more dangerous substances,” he warned.
The bishops called for a community-led approach involving churches, parents, schools, and local leaders to build a united front against addiction.
“No one is celebrating what’s happening to our youth,” said Bishop Omae. “Families are hurting. Sons and daughters are slipping through our fingers because of addiction.”
While the proposals have gained support from faith groups and some parent associations, players in the alcohol industry have warned that the changes could cost thousands of jobs and disrupt the economy.
