A Kenyan senator has proposed sweeping amendments to the country’s alcohol regulations, reigniting a longstanding debate over balancing public health concerns with business interests in the alcoholic beverage industry.
Senator Raphael Chimera Mwinzagu, Vice Chairperson of the Justice, Legal Affairs & Human Rights Committee, has formally requested the Senate Speaker, Amason Jeffah Kingi, to introduce the bill aimed at tightening controls on the sale and consumption of alcohol.
The proposed legislation, detailed in a letter from Senator Mwinzagu dated June 5, 2024, seeks to make substantial changes to current regulations.
“Alcohol abuse has become a major hindrance to the health, social, and economic development of the people of Kenya,” Mwinzagu wrote. He emphasized that despite various initiatives by the government, including the establishment of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the problem persists at alarming levels.
Under the proposed changes, Section 34 (2) of the Act would be amended to prohibit the manufacture, packaging, distribution, or sale of alcoholic drinks in containers less than 750 milliliters. This move is seen as a direct response to the proliferation of small, affordable alcohol sachets and bottles that are easily accessible to the youth and low-income individuals, contributing significantly to alcohol misuse.
The bill proposes deleting Section 6, which currently mandates the existence of District Committees responsible for alcohol licensing. This role would revert to the national government, aiming to streamline licensing processes and enhance regulatory oversight. Mwinzagu argues that “reverting the licensing role to the National Government” will provide more uniform enforcement and reduce regional disparities in alcohol regulation.
Amendments to Schedule 4 of the Act suggest more stringent sale hours, reducing the permissible sale times from 7:00 PM – 3:00 AM to 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM on weekdays and from 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM to 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM on weekends and public holidays. This reduction aims to curb late-night drinking, which is often linked to increased incidents of alcohol-related accidents and violence.
These proposed measures, if passed, are expected to face significant pushback from various stakeholders in the alcohol industry, who argue that such stringent regulations could negatively impact their businesses and lead to job losses.
Kenya has long struggled with the adverse effects of alcohol abuse. A report by NACADA indicates that alcohol is the most abused substance in the country, with the prevalence highest among young people aged 18-24.
