The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has expressed concerns about the increasing number of minors accessing alcohol, particularly from outlets at petrol stations in affluent areas of Nairobi.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NACADA highlighted that this worrying trend has been observed in neighborhoods such as Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, and Ngong Road, where minors are reportedly purchasing alcohol without undergoing age verification.
NACADA attributes this issue to the growing use of mobile money transactions, which unintentionally allow minors to bypass age checks.
“There is a dangerous assumption that anyone using mobile money is over 18, which is not accurate,” stated Anthony Omerikwa, NACADA’s CEO.
Omerikwa reminded both alcohol vendors and the public about the strict regulations under The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010, aimed at preventing underage drinking.
With the festive season approaching, NACADA plans to intensify enforcement efforts in partnership with other government agencies.
The operations will focus on ensuring adherence to alcohol control laws and protecting vulnerable groups, particularly minors.
Omerikwa emphasized NACADA’s commitment to protecting youth from the dangers of alcohol abuse.
“We will not tolerate any business that violates the law by selling alcohol to minors. Protecting our children is a shared responsibility,” he said.
NACADA has urged the public to stay alert and report any instances of alcohol being sold to minors.
To report violations or seek help with alcohol or drug-related issues, the public is encouraged to call NACADA’s toll-free helpline at 1192.
“Together, we can protect our youth and ensure a responsible and safe festive season for all,” Omerikwa added.
