A liquor store
Liquor retailers have voiced strong opposition to proposed alcohol control measures warning against blanket regulations that may disrupt legitimate business operations.
Through their umbrella body, the Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK), the retailers expressed dismay that they were not consulted in the drafting of the National Policy for the Prevention, Management and Control of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse (2025)
The policy, spearheaded by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada), was unveiled on Wednesday by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in Nairobi.
It recommends a raft of controls on alcohol consumption, including restrictions on online sales, home deliveries, advertising, and the use of celebrities in marketing.
“RETRAK was neither consulted nor invited to contribute to the development of this policy,” the association said in a statement.
“Any legislative processes must remain transparent and inclusive, as espoused by our constitutional guardrails.”
The association acknowledged the importance of tackling alcohol abuse and reiterated its commitment to responsible retailing.
However, it criticised the policy's development process for excluding key industry players.
RETRAK insisted that formal retailers already comply with existing laws, including advertising restrictions, age-verification measures, and zoning regulations.
“In many communities, commercial centres have long functioned alongside schools and religious facilities without incident,” the statement noted, countering any assumptions that the presence of retailers especially near learning institutions automatically contributes to alcohol abuse amongst minors.
RETRAK maintained that Kenya already has a robust legal and regulatory framework to manage alcohol production and sales.
It called for future engagements to be grounded in evidence, enforceability, and the lived realities of both consumers and legitimate retailers.
In response to concerns raised by stakeholders and sections of the media, Nacada clarified that the measures contained in the new policy are not legally binding at this stage.
“No bans have been introduced,” Nacada said in a statement issued by CEO Dr Anthony Omerikwa.
“These measures are currently policy recommendations, not law.”
Nacada stressed that the policy is intended to serve as a roadmap and that any legal changes would follow a transparent and participatory process.
“Public participation will be central to this process, enabling citizens, businesses, and interest groups to share their views,” the authority assured.
Nacada also emphasised that its primary goal is to protect youth from the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse and to promote a healthier, more productive society.
RETRAK said it remains open to engaging constructively to support sound and workable policies that reflect the perspectives of all stakeholders.
