This initiative is based on the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010, which requires that such establishments be located at least 300 metres away from nurseries, primary, secondary, or any other educational institutions serving people under the age of 18 (Section 12(1)(c)).
The crackdown will involve collaboration with relevant national and county government agencies to ensure that these outlets’ positioning complies with the law.
Violators of this directive will face the penalties outlined in the Act, which include a fine of no more than 500,000 shillings, imprisonment for no more than three years, or both.
The directives come just one week after NACADA ordered the removal of billboards advertising alcoholic beverages near educational institutions across the country.
According to a statement issued by the Authority on Monday, the trend continues despite existing laws that prohibit advertisements that are misleading, deceptive, or likely to create false impressions about the characteristics, health effects, health hazards, or social implications of alcoholic beverages.
“Research shows that exposure to outdoor alcohol advertising near schools is associated with a higher likelihood of youth intending to use alcohol,” NACADA stated.
“Alarmingly, the current average age of initiation to alcohol use in Kenya is seven years.”
