Reprieve for Celebs as NACADA Denies Banning Influencers from Endorsing Alcohol

• NACADA has sparked mixed reactions after unveiling a new policy that proposed forbidding influencers and celebrities from endorsing or promoting liquor
• Earlier, a number of them came out to express their concerns and ask the government for collaborative measures
• However, NACADA has reiterated that no ban has been introduced after concerns were raised

Kenyan celebrities and influencers have reacted to the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA )'s new policy that seeks to change alcohol consumption and sale in the country.

Many celebrities make a living from either promoting betting companies or endorsing products and companies, some in the entertainment space.

NACADA unveiled a roadmap policy that proposes to raise the alcohol consumption age of young people from 18 to 21.

The new policy also proposes a ban on the sale of alcohol in different public places like beaches, supermarkets, online and near schools.

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What did Kenyan influencers say about NACADA's new policy?

This saw celebrities and influencers come out to share their thoughts on the move, with some condemning the agency.

Khaligraph Jones said:

"I am shocked."

Veteran comedian Eddie Butita released a statement urging NACADA to work with content creators rather than impose policies that may take away their source of livelihood.

"Banning influencers won’t stop alcohol content online; in fact, it’ll stop responsible messaging. NACADA should work with creators, not silence them," he wrote.

He also noted that he has participated in campaigns by leading alcoholic brands, and they ensure that they run safe promotions that also educate the public.

Here is his post:

Here are some of the reactions from social media users:

@Azenza said:

"Leo ndo umeamua kuspeak out."

@DJ Ngash said:

"How did this pass public participation? If I'm not wrong, the policy is yet to be enacted into law and must undergo public participation."

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@OtienoTrevor said:

"Uzuri hakuna mtu alikuwa mdogo akasema, when I grow up, I want to advertise alcohol so I can make a living, influencers focus."

@benja tech said:

"Sasa tafuteni mbinu mpya ya kutafuta pesa."

@old mzee said:

"Shida hata sio hii unasema - buana, there is a lot of fake and unsafe alcohol. NACADA waanze huko buana."

@Afrodavidtv said:

"Haven't seen Kenyan influencers advertising alcohol, for some time now."

@SteveOkanah said:

"Someone tell NACADA that behaviour change requires innovations and a well-thought-out strategy. The sledgehammer approach has always failed. Draconian laws worsen things. They should learn from their dark past."

Is NACADA's new policy mandatory?

NACADA has clarified that what was unveiled today was the policy the agency is proposing to be implemented and denied introducing any ban.

The agency also noted that the next step will be to introduce stakeholders from different agencies to discuss the policies.

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This will then be followed by a public participation that will fully engage citizens' opinions to hear their thoughts on the same.

According to the agency, the new policy is not a call for alarm but a roadmap that should not be looked at as enforcement measures.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke