Parliament Bill Proposes Raising Drinking Age to 21 and Introducing KSh2 Alcohol Levy

Parliament Bill Proposes Raising Drinking Age to 21 and Introducing KSh2 Alcohol Levy

A proposed Bill before Parliament seeks to raise Kenya’s minimum legal drinking age from 18 to 21 years and introduce a KSh2 levy on every litre of alcoholic drinks manufactured or imported into the country.

The proposed measures are aimed at strengthening alcohol regulation, addressing drug and substance abuse, and providing additional resources to support enforcement of the law.

The Bill proposes that the money collected through the levy be channelled towards financing alcohol regulation activities, including measures to tackle alcohol-related harm and substance abuse.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah defended the proposal to raise the drinking age, arguing that the move would help protect young people from the effects of consuming alcohol at an early age.

The proposed change would make it illegal for anyone below 21 years to purchase or consume alcoholic drinks if the legislation is passed in its current form.

Ichung’wah explains proposed drinking age increase

Addressing the House during debate on the legislation, Ichung’wah said increasing the minimum drinking age was part of efforts to protect young people from alcohol-related risks.

The proposal comes amid continued public discussions about alcohol consumption, access to alcoholic products and the enforcement of existing regulations.

Raising the age limit would also require alcohol manufacturers, distributors and retailers to comply with the new restrictions, should Parliament approve the Bill.

The proposed KSh2-per-litre levy would apply to alcoholic beverages manufactured locally or imported into Kenya.

The government intends to use the revenue to support regulatory efforts, although the final implementation arrangements would depend on the legislation’s approval and subsequent regulations.

Farah Maalim questions exclusion of miraa and muguka

During the parliamentary debate, Dadaab MP Farah Maalim welcomed efforts to regulate alcohol consumption but questioned why the proposed legislation had not addressed miraa and muguka.

Maalim argued that the two substances should also have been considered as part of the wider discussion on substance use and regulation.

He said the Bill would have been more comprehensive if it had included measures targeting the consumption of miraa and muguka alongside alcohol.

“I’m happy with the fact that you are trying to control the consumption of alcohol. It would have been better if it were banned 100 per cent. But why didn’t you include Miraa and Muguka in this Bill?” he questioned.

His remarks introduced another issue into the debate, with lawmakers considering whether alcohol regulation should be addressed separately or alongside policies governing other substances.

Miraa and muguka are widely traded in parts of Kenya, particularly in the eastern region, and their regulation has remained a subject of public and political discussion.

Bill proposes fines of up to KSh10 million

Beyond the proposed drinking age and levy, the legislation also seeks to increase penalties for people and businesses that violate the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act.

Under the proposed provisions, offenders could face fines of up to KSh10 million, imprisonment for a maximum of five years, or both.

The proposed penalties would significantly raise the financial and legal consequences for individuals and businesses found violating the law.

The measures are intended to strengthen compliance among alcohol manufacturers, distributors, retailers and other players in the industry.

What happens next?

The proposals are subject to parliamentary consideration and the legislative process before they can become law.

Lawmakers will have an opportunity to debate the provisions, raise concerns and propose amendments before the Bill progresses through the required stages.

If approved, the changes would introduce new requirements for alcohol consumers and businesses while establishing an additional funding mechanism for regulation.

The debate highlights Parliament’s ongoing consideration of how Kenya can strengthen controls on alcohol consumption, protect young people and address wider concerns surrounding drug and substance abuse.

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Parliament Bill Proposes Raising Drinking Age to 21 and Introducing KSh2 Alcohol Levy