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National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has endorsed a proposal seeking to raise Kenya’s legal drinking age from 18 to 21, citing growing concerns over alcohol use among young people.
The agency points to findings from its 2022 national survey, which indicate that alcohol remains the most widely used substance in the country, with about 11.8 percent of the population—over 3.1 million people—consuming it.
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Among youths aged 15 to 24, roughly 5.2 percent are current users, a trend NACADA says reflects early exposure that could lead to continued drinking later in life. The rate rises significantly among those aged 25 to 35, where about 14 percent report alcohol use, suggesting increased consumption as individuals gain financial independence.
NACADA argues that these patterns justify tighter regulations, including raising the legal drinking age, as a way to curb early access and reduce long-term health risks. The authority maintains that delaying access to alcohol could help lower the chances of dependency and harmful behaviours.
The agency also raised alarm over alcohol use among school-going children. Data shows that 3.8 percent of secondary school students and 2.6 percent of primary school pupils have already experimented with alcohol, pointing to exposure below the current legal age.
Health experts warn that early alcohol use can negatively affect brain development, academic performance and overall well-being, while increasing the risk of addiction and risky behaviour.
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NACADA says the proposed law is part of broader efforts to protect young people, alongside stronger enforcement of regulations, public awareness campaigns and improved access to rehabilitation services.
However, critics question whether raising the legal age alone will be effective without better enforcement, arguing that alcohol abuse is also prevalent among unemployed youths above 21.
Despite the debate, NACADA insists that changing the law is a necessary step in tackling what it describes as a growing alcohol crisis among Kenya’s youth.
