NACADA Issues Clarification after Public Outcry over Stringent Anti-Alcohol Policy: "Not Law"
- On Wednesday, July 30, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) issued new policy recommendations
- However, Kenyans were unhappy with the strict measures contained in the policy that was unveiled by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen
- NACADA later issued a statement explaining the legal implications of the policy, including its recommendation regarding selling of alcohol online
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has issued a clarification regarding the legal status of the newly unveiled policy on the consumption of alcohol.
Source: Facebook
On Wednesday, July 30, NACADA unveiled a new policy aimed at controlling the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Kenyans took to social media to criticise NACADA for coming up with strict measures, some of which, they said, might render many unemployed.
Has NACADA banned sale of alcohol in supermarkets?
However, in a statement, NACADA dismissed reports that it had banned the sale of alcohol online, home deliveries, and celebrity endorsements.
NACADA stated that the measures unveiled by the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen are policy recommendations and not law.
"This is a national policy, and contrary to reports suggesting that NACADA has banned certain practices such as alcohol advertising, online sales, home deliveries, and celebrity endorsements, we wish to emphasise that no bans have been introduced. These measures are currently policy recommendations, not law. Their inclusion aims to initiate legal and regulatory reviews, subject to proper procedures," NACADA said.
According to NACADA, the next step after unveiling the new policy would be the development of a multi-sectoral implementation framework, bringing together stakeholders from the government, industry, civil society, and the public.
What does the new NACADA policy mean?
The authority stated that any proposed measures that might require law review will be subjected to the normal lawmaking process, which will include public participation.
"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 interested groups to share their views, " NACADA explained.
The authority urged Kenyans to treat the policy as recommendations and not an enforcement measure.
"We urge the media and the public to treat this policy as what it is, 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," the authority said.
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What did NACADA propose?
During the launch, NACADA explained that the main objective of the policy is to protect children, youth, and the public from misleading alcohol advertising, promotion, and marketing.
The policy contained strict proposals, such as a ban on selling alcohol in specific areas such as supermarkets, bus parks, beaches, and public places.
According to NACADA, restriction of selling places will ensure children are not exposed to alcohol
Further, NACADA recommended the change of the age limit of alcohol consumption from 18 to 21 years of age.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
