The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced a nationwide crackdown on billboards promoting alcoholic beverages in the vicinity of schools.
In a statement on May 20, 2024, NACADA highlighted that they were taking a significant step to protect the health and well-being of Kenyan children.
According to the agency, there are growing concerns over the influence of alcohol advertising on young minds, hence the crackdown.
“Research shows that exposure to outdoor alcohol advertising near schools is associated with a higher likelihood of youth intending to use alcohol,” NACADA stated.
NACADA’s observation
The institution highlighted that it had observed billboards were still being erected near schools, despite the law forbidding certain advertisements which were misleading or deceptive and likely to cause social effects on the use of alcohol.
NATIONWIDE CRACKDOWN ON BILLBOARDS!!!
— NACADA Kenya (@NACADAKenya) May 20, 2024
Today, we are taking a significant step to protect the health and well-being of our children. In light of growing concerns over the influence of alcohol advertising on young minds, we are announcing a nationwide crackdown on billboards… pic.twitter.com/hdnEVw7Kx0
According to NACADA, exposure to outdoor alcohol advertising around schools is associated with youth intentions to use alcohol noting that the current age of initiation to alcohol use in the country is seven years.
NACADA stated that schools ought to be in secure environments that foster learning and personal growth, free from any influences that may contribute to harmful behaviours.
“The presence of alcohol advertisements near educational institutions, therefore, undermines these endeavours by normalizing the consumption of alcohol and portraying it as an appealing and glamorous choice,” NACADA added.
NACADA says the order for the removal of advertisements is in accordance with the Alcoholic Drinks Promotion Regulations and the provisions of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010.
“We call on advertising agencies and businesses to exercise social responsibility by refraining from placing alcohol advertisements near learning institutions,” NACADA added.
Additionally, the regulatory body advised that businesses who adhere to their request will be protecting the youth from negative impacts of alcohol marketing and they will also support a journey towards healthy and productive futures.
Save our children
This directive comes days after almost 9,500 unlicensed bars were shut down in the nationwide crackdown on illicit liquor and drugs.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki highlighted that 4,800 establishments that were selling alcohol and located near basic education institutions had to be closed and their licenses revoked.
“The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act prohibits the selling of alcohol whether licensed or not within 300 meters to a basic learning institution to save our children the menace of influence and exposure to alcohol and other substances at an early age,” Kindiki stated.
Before you go…how about joining our vibrant Telegram and WhatsApp channels for hotter stories?
Telegram: https://t.me/k24tvdigital
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaKQnFUIXnljs50pC32O
