Karungo questions logic behind ban on alcohol deliveries to homes and events
By Nancy Marende, July 30, 2025Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa has criticised the government’s proposal to ban alcohol deliveries to private homes, events, and parties, questioning the legality and logic behind the move.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, the senator questioned the double standards applied by government agencies, arguing that while the state has outlawed alcohol deliveries, a legitimate business service, it continues to personally deliver cash to political supporters under the guise of empowerment programs.
“So now you’ve banned alcohol deliveries to people’s homes, parties, and events, under what law? But you’re out here hand-delivering cash to your supporters from one constituency to another in the name of empowerment?” he posed.
“Something that can be sent via M-Pesa, you deliver physically. But something that’s meant to be delivered physically, you ban. Kweli hii Kenya ni ya Kipchumba na nduguye KipRuto,” he added.
He further expressed concern over what he termed as inconsistent policymaking and enforcement, accusing government bodies, including NACADA, of promoting illogical regulations that punish ordinary Kenyans while protecting vested interests.
This comes hours after the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) unveiled the national alcohol policy that outlines some bold proposals intended to curb rising substance abuse in the country.
The proposals
If adopted, the policy would ban online alcohol sales and home deliveries. It also proposes that alcohol should no longer be sold in supermarkets, petrol stations, restaurants, residential areas, or near learning institutions.
The policy recommends raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21. Under this proposal, anyone below 21 would not be allowed to enter alcohol-selling outlets, even when accompanied by adults. Anyone accompanied by a child or found carrying dangerous weapons would also be prohibited from purchasing alcohol.
Another significant proposal is the restriction on using public figures in alcohol advertisements. NACADA wants to ban the use of musicians, actors, athletes, media personalities, and influencers in promoting alcohol. Only individuals over the age of 25 would be allowed to appear in alcohol-related adverts.
The policy also seeks to end lifestyle marketing that portrays drinking as glamorous or aspirational. Advertising during watershed hours between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm would be banned across all platforms, including television, online content, and foreign broadcasts. Music videos, films, and performances that portray alcohol or substance use in a positive light would be restricted from appearing in print or electronic media.
The proposals go further to ban alcohol advertising or sponsorship of events that target individuals below the age of 21. Marketing alcohol at schools, universities, youth sports, entertainment shows, and arts competitions would also be banned. Outdoor alcohol advertising would face new rules, including a ban on billboards within 300 meters of schools, hospitals, residential areas, and government buildings.
The policy suggests that all alcohol advertisements should contain only factual information. They would not be allowed to promote the strength or supposed benefits of alcohol, dismiss abstinence, or link alcohol to a specific lifestyle.