Representatives from diverse civil society organizations unite during a press briefing in Nairobi to voice strong support for Kenya’s 2025 National Alcohol and Drugs Policy.
By Peace Muthoka.
Nairobi, Kenya – August 12, 2025 — Civil society groups and public health advocates have united in strong support of Kenya’s newly launched National Policy for the Prevention, Management, and Control of Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse (2025).
The groups warned that the easy availability, low cost, and growing social acceptance of alcohol are fueling a health crisis that threatens the nation’s productivity and wellbeing. They described the policy as timely and urged Parliament, faith leaders, the media, and citizens from large institutions to small traders to defend it against misinformation and commercial interests.
“This policy is about people, not profits,” they emphasized, noting that opinion polls show 90% of Kenyans consider alcohol a problem. Many reported personal or indirect experiences of its harmful effects, including road accidents, domestic violence, unemployment, and alcohol-related illnesses.
The economic toll is staggering. At Miritini Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa, the most affordable in the country, a three-month treatment program costs KSh60,000. In private facilities, the same program can range from KSh120,000 to over KSh1 million. Treating all Kenyans with alcohol addiction for three months would cost an estimated KSh81 billion, excluding aftercare.
Alcohol abuse is linked to digestive disorders, cardiovascular diseases, liver disease, cancers, mental health issues, and communicable diseases like HIV and STIs. It remains a major driver of injuries, from road crashes to self-harm and domestic violence.
In urban and peri-urban Kajiado, more than half of residents have been assaulted by someone under the influence. In Embu and Machakos, 56% of girls and women have experienced sexual violence by a drunk perpetrator. Children in such environments face heightened risks of abuse, school dropout, and malnutrition as household funds are diverted to alcohol.
Nation Mourns AMREF Flying Doctors Crew Lost in Mwihoko Crash.
The productivity cost is also significant. A public sector study revealed that alcohol users are more likely to arrive late, miss work, face disciplinary action, or suffer workplace injuries compared to non-users. Other losses include premature deaths, disability, time spent in jail, and hours wasted nursing hangovers.
Advocates counter fears about job losses in the alcohol industry, stressing that 1.36 million Kenyans are already struggling with alcohol use disorders, with millions more affected indirectly. The policy proposes raising the legal drinking age to 21, restricting youth-targeted advertising and sponsorships, and creating alcohol-free spaces for young people.
While acknowledging it is not a complete solution, supporters see the policy as a critical step toward reducing harm, protecting vulnerable groups, and shifting harmful social norms. They believe it will encourage alcohol-free business innovation, cut healthcare costs, and improve family wellbeing.
They urged the government to quickly enact laws and regulations, backed by adequate funding for prevention, treatment, enforcement, and public awareness. Counties, media, youth leaders, faith groups, and the private sector were called upon to play active roles, from responsible reporting to creating safe recreational alternatives.
“The National Alcohol Policy offers a science-based, people-centered path forward,” they stated. “It is time to act with courage, compassion, and conviction for children, for families, and for the future of our country.”
