Ten places where alcohol sale is prohobited in NACADA's new proposals
The ban is expected to impact both urban and rural residents, particularly those who rely on supermarkets, restaurants, or delivery services to access alcohol.
Kenyans will no longer be able to buy alcohol from a wide range of everyday outlets after the government proposed a ban targeting ten specific places, including homes, restaurants, and online platforms, as part of efforts to limit access and reduce harm caused by alcohol abuse.
The proposals, issued by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), list the affected points of sale as supermarkets, restaurants, online sales, home deliveries, and vending machines.
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It also prohibits alcohol sales in amusement parks, sports grounds, toy shops, residential settings, learning institutions, and public transport hubs or highways.
“The following modes and places of sale shall be prohibited,” NACADA states, outlining the various locations now restricted under the new policy.
The ban is expected to impact both urban and rural residents, particularly those who rely on supermarkets, restaurants, or delivery services to access alcohol. Recreational areas and toy shops that previously stocked or served alcoholic drinks will also be barred from doing so.
Hawking of alcoholic beverages is now illegal, and the law now restricts any alcohol sale near or within areas that cater to children.
NACADA explained that the restrictions are part of a broader initiative to reduce availability and protect households from the negative consequences of uncontrolled alcohol use. The agency said the move will help create safer communities and reduce exposure, especially among children and vulnerable groups.
The directive follows the approval of the National Policy on the Prevention of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Use (2025) by the Cabinet on June 24.
The policy includes stricter control measures that NACADA believes will help manage the country’s growing alcohol problem, particularly among the youth.
Some of the rules under the policy include banning alcohol sales near learning institutions and places of worship, and enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to irresponsible alcohol or drug promotion.
In May 2024, NACADA launched a national crackdown on liquor outlets operating near schools and facilities serving minors. At the time, Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa said, “The crackdown will be executed in collaboration with relevant national and county government agencies and seeks to ensure strict compliance with legal requirements about the positioning of such outlets.”
He noted that the enforcement was based on the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010, which prohibits the sale of alcohol in certain locations.
Those who break the law risk a fine of up to Sh500,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.
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