NACADA orders removal of alcohol billboards near schools

The anti-drug abuse authority has raised concerns over the increased promotion of alcoholic beverages through billboards located near learning institutions across the country.

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) therefore directed the removal of such billboards, saying they crop up despite the existence of laws prohibiting misleading or deceptive advertisements about alcohol.

NACADA noted that exposure to such advertising has been linked to a higher likelihood of alcohol use among youth.

“This is observed to be happening despite the law proscribing advertisements that are misleading or deceptive or that are likely to create an erroneous impression about the characteristics, health effects, health hazards, or social effects of the alcoholic drink,” Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa said in a press statement on Monday.

Omerikwa said the outdoor alcohol advertisements near schools influence young people into drinking, with Kenya's current age of first-time alcohol use being seven years.

He said NACADA was working with relevant stakeholders, under the guidelines of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010, to implement actions aimed at removing all billboards near educational institutions.

“These enforcement activities will involve all respective national and county government authorities. Schools should be secure environments that foster learning and personal growth, free from any influences that may contribute to harmful behaviours,” he said.

The authority urged advertising agencies and businesses to act responsibly by refraining from placing such advertisements near learning institutions.