By Grace Gilo
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has issued a statement clarifying that it has not banned certain practices such as alcohol advertising, online sales, home deliveries and celebrity endorsements.
In a statement issued by NACADA’s CEO, Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, NACADA clarified that the National Policy for the Prevention, Management and Control of Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse (2025) is “currently policy recommendations, not law.”
The policy was launched by the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen on Wednesday.
“We wish to emphasize that no bans have been introduced. These measures are currently policy recommendations, not law,” stated the NACADA CEO.
“Their inclusion aims to initiate legal and regulatory reviews, subject to proper procedures,” he added.
According to NACADA, the next steps after the launch include the development of a multi-sectoral implementation framework, bringing together stakeholders from government, industry, civil society and the public.
The CEO assured that any proposal that requires legal backing will undergo a thorough law review process, which will be transparent and inclusive.
“Most importantly, public participation will be central to this process, enabling citizens, businesses, and interest groups to share their views and address any contentious issues before implementation,” he assured.
NACADA urged the media and the public to treat the policy as a roadmap, not an enforcement measure.
“NACADA’s goal, as clearly outlined in the policy, is to protect our youth from the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse, reduce related harm and foster a healthier, more productive society,” read the statement in part.