Murkomen slams churches for failing to back newly proposed alcohol regulations
By Ascah Mwango, August 2, 2025Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has come out in fierce support of the new proposal to raise Kenya’s legal drinking age from 18 to 21 and other alcohol regulations amid mounting criticism.
Speaking during a high-level security forum in Kajiado County on Saturday, August 2, 2025, Murkomen condemned both the clergy and the alcohol industry for failing to support the government’s efforts to protect young people from the dangers of alcohol consumption.
He criticised alcohol companies for prioritising profits over public health, citing concerns raised by a major alcohol manufacturer that the proposed changes would negatively affect their revenue. Murkomen questioned the logic of opposing a policy meant to safeguard the nation’s youth, arguing that economic concerns should not outweigh the need for responsible regulation.
He also expressed disappointment with religious leaders, accusing them of remaining silent instead of publicly endorsing the initiative. Murkomen lamented that no church leader had spoken up in support of the move, which he believes aligns with the moral and social responsibilities faith-based institutions claim to uphold.
“I saw in the media people saying this government is destroying the economy. I saw a big alcohol company saying its profits will go down if the drinking age is raised to 21. Is there anyone in their right mind who can say that increasing the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 is bad for business? The people who call themselves church leaders, not a single one defended me, no one supported that law or said it was the right thing,” Murkomen stated.
His remarks come amid growing public debate over the NACADA-backed sweeping changes, with critics warning of potential economic fallout and enforcement concerns. However, Murkomen insisted that the well-being of the country’s youth must come first, and urged all stakeholders to put the interests of future generations ahead of short-term financial gains.
Proposed policies
The CS’s remarks come just days after his ministry unveiled a new national policy developed by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA). The policy aims to address rising cases of alcohol and drug abuse across the country. Among the most notable proposals is the raising of the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 years.
If implemented, young people below the age of 21 will not be allowed to purchase or consume alcohol and will also be barred from entering alcohol-selling establishments, even when accompanied by an adult.
The policy also seeks to ban online sales and home deliveries of alcohol, a popular service especially among urban dwellers. Hawking of alcohol and the use of vending machines to sell alcoholic drinks will also be outlawed. In addition, supermarkets, petrol stations, restaurants, and retail shops located near residential areas or schools will no longer be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages.
The proposals also include a strict crackdown on advertising and alcohol promotions. NACADA wants to completely ban the use of celebrities such as musicians, actors, influencers, and public figures in promoting alcoholic products. Only people aged 25 and above will be allowed to appear in alcohol-related adverts, which must not present drinking as fashionable or desirable.
Alcohol advertisements on TV, radio, and digital platforms will be prohibited between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm. The ban will extend to foreign channels and content such as music videos, films, and online materials that portray alcohol or drug use in a positive light. Alcohol brands will also be barred from sponsoring youth-related events such as school functions, university activities, sports tournaments, and art competitions. Outdoor alcohol billboards will face stricter rules and will not be allowed within 300 metres of schools, hospitals, homes, or government offices.
Manufacturers will be required to list full ingredients and display clear health warnings on all bottles. The new rule will also enforce a minimum packaging size of 250 millilitres, in a bid to eliminate the sale of cheap, small sachets and bottles that are popular among low-income earners.
The policy also proposes changes in licensing, giving the national government full authority over alcohol production, import, export, and distribution. The location and number of alcohol-selling outlets will be tightly regulated, particularly around schools and residential areas.
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