MOMBASA, Kenya—Reachout Centre Trust Executive Director Taib Abdulrahman says raising the legal drinking age without investing in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation risks postponing rather than solving Kenya’s alcohol problem.
Reachout Centre Trust (RCT) has challenged Parliament to reconsider key provisions of the proposed Alcoholic Drinks and Drugs Control Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, warning that raising the minimum legal drinking age from 18 to 21 years will not, on its own, address the underlying challenges associated with alcohol consumption in Kenya.
The organisation is calling for comprehensive consultations and evidence-led legislation that places greater emphasis on prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery, arguing that restrictions must be accompanied by sustainable investments in public health and community-based interventions.
RCT Executive Director Taib Abdulrahman said the proposed age restriction, although intended to protect young people, risks delaying the problem if the government fails to address the circumstances that contribute to harmful alcohol consumption.
“Raising the legal drinking age may be one component of a broader alcohol-control strategy, but it cannot become a substitute for addressing the underlying drivers of alcohol use. We must ask ourselves what happens beyond the age restriction. Are we investing sufficiently in prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery?” Taib said.
He made the remarks following his appearance on Swahilipot FM’s Breakfast Club, where he examined the proposed legislation and raised concerns about the adequacy of some of its proposed interventions.
Taib argued that Kenya requires a comprehensive alcohol-control framework that goes beyond regulating who can purchase or access alcoholic drinks to strengthening the systems responsible for preventing and managing substance-use challenges.
He called for sustained investment in public education, community-based prevention programmes, accessible treatment and rehabilitation services, psychosocial support and structured recovery programmes.
The organisation also wants the government to strengthen referral systems and ensure that individuals experiencing substance-use challenges can access appropriate services without unnecessary barriers.
Proposed levy
RCT has also raised concerns about how resources generated through the proposed alcohol-control financing framework will be distributed and utilised.
The organisation argues that the proposed compensatory levy and funding mechanisms must translate into measurable public health outcomes, particularly through sustained support for prevention and treatment programmes.
Taib said civil society organisations should be recognised as important partners in the national response because of their established relationships with communities and experience reaching populations that conventional institutions often struggle to serve.
“Community-based organisations are not peripheral actors in this response. They are often the institutions working directly with affected communities, providing education, referrals, prevention services and recovery support. Their contribution must be reflected in the financing and implementation of the proposed law,” he said.
RCT is calling for transparent funding criteria, equitable access to resources and accountability mechanisms that ensure allocations reach organisations delivering interventions at community level.
The organisation further wants Parliament to examine whether the proposed distribution of levy proceeds will adequately prioritise direct prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services instead of allowing administrative costs to consume resources intended for community interventions.
Implementation
Beyond the proposed change in the drinking age, the Bill introduces several measures affecting alcohol licensing, advertising, distribution, online sales, vending machines and supply-chain controls.
It also proposes restrictions relating to shisha and nicotine pouches, among other substances and products.
While acknowledging the importance of stronger regulation, RCT says the proposed measures must be accompanied by adequate enforcement capacity, clear institutional responsibilities and coordination between national and county governments.
The organisation warns that restrictions introduced without effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms could create implementation gaps and potentially encourage the expansion of illicit supply channels.
It is also calling for stronger accountability measures to address conflicts of interest among public officers responsible for enforcing alcohol-control regulations.
Consultations
RCT has further urged Parliament to provide sufficient time for meaningful public participation, saying the proposed amendments have far-reaching implications for public health, businesses, communities and organisations involved in substance-use prevention and treatment.
The organisation wants civil society organisations, public health professionals, treatment providers, researchers, county governments, young people and communities affected by alcohol-related harm to have a meaningful opportunity to examine the proposals and submit recommendations.
With public submissions on the proposed amendments due by November 23, 2026, RCT is encouraging stakeholders and members of the public to study the Bill and participate in the legislative process.
“Our concern is not about weakening alcohol regulation. It is about ensuring that the law is practical, comprehensive and capable of delivering lasting results. Parliament must allow stakeholders to interrogate these proposals because good legislation is strengthened through evidence, consultation and the experiences of the people it affects,” Taib said.
The organisation maintains that alcohol-related harm cannot be sustainably addressed through punitive and restrictive measures alone, insisting that prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, psychosocial support and recovery must remain central to Kenya’s legislative and public health response.
It says the proposed amendments present Parliament with an opportunity to establish a stronger national framework, but cautions that the opportunity could be lost if the process focuses more on introducing restrictions than building the systems needed to address alcohol-related harm.
