Digital strategist Dennis Itumbi has embraced the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) into a dialogue over its alcohol advertising policy, following a direct phone call by the agency.In a Facebook update on 30th July, Itumbi appreciated the outreach, describing the debate as “timely and appreciated.” In his opinion, while regulation is needed, it must be designed by consensus and more consultation.
“The policy rolled out today will actually have its role to stimulate discussion, provoke the mind, bring together different perspectives, and fresh ideas,” Itumbi stated. He further added that he is not against regulation but believes it should be accompanied by systems which develop creatives and help them succeed.
“My point is that we also have to create a clear, facilitation pipeline under which creatives can excel and play a meaningful contribution,” he posted.
Itumbi’s response comes after NACADA proposed a ban on advertising alcohol online, particularly those involving influencers and celebrities. The move has been faced with a lot of backlash by Kenya’s digital content creators who feel excluded from policy-making matters.
But Itumbi appeared hopeful about NACADA’s promise to engage the public in the future. “I look forward to fully engaging in the public forums of engagement that NACADA will conduct,” he stated, noting that many other creatives have also made queries about joining in.
He ended his post with a call for unity: “To be heard, to have their thoughts considered, and their contribution noted as we create a better tomorrow together. Hapo we agree. Let’s talk, all of us, and agree.”
