Senator Maanzo: Tackle poisonus alcohol, not the industry
By Cynthia Lodite, July 31, 2025Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has pushed back against a proposal by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), which seeks to ban the online sale of alcohol, promotional discounts, and the use of social media influencers, celebrities, and sports personalities in alcohol advertising.
Speaking on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in an interview on a local TV station, Maanzo emphasised that the government should first engage members of the public before making and implementing such regulations.
According to the legislator, the government should concentrate on flagging off poisonous alcohol saturating the market first before focusing on the industry and promoting the substance.
The Senator further claims that the government is undermining its own efforts by imposing bans on the alcohol industry, which employs a significant number of Kenyans.
Likewise, the Makueni Senator highlighted that instead of the government banning the substance, the focus should be on enforcing strict quality and safety standards to eliminate the production of toxic brews that have led to cases of blindness and other serious health issues.
“What is important is that the government should be concentrating on the quality of alcohol because alcohol is taken all over the world and very much controlled,” Maanzo said.
Toxic alcohol in the industry
Similarly, while acknowledging that the biggest problem affecting the industry is poisonous alcohol, he further highlighted incidents that have left a section of alcohol users blind.
“The biggest problem in the country is poisonous alcohol; the government should first deal with and eliminate all production of poisonous alcohol,” Maanzo stated, further adding, “We have seen alcohol which has made people lose eyesight.”
Maanzo further insisted that it is also essential for the government to involve industry stakeholders and the public in meaningful consultations before implementing any regulations affecting the sector.
On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, NACADA released a statement that proposed regulations governing alcohol within the country. According to the proposed bill, it will outlaw price promotions such as discounts on alcohol, free samples, flat-rate offers, as well as volume sales, which are common in bars, supermarkets, and online retailers.