NACADA has defended its proposal to ban alcohol sales near learning institutions, saying universities have become hotspots for alcohol abuse and early addiction among students.

The agency says its new policy is based on fresh data showing rising alcohol use among young people, easy access to illicit drinks near campuses, and the growing number of students battling addiction.

Adrian Njenga, NACADA’s Senior Policy and Planning Officer, said the focus on universities stems from recent studies that point to serious concerns.

“In the country, one in eight Kenyans is actively using alcohol. Among university students, it’s one in five,” he said during an interview with Radio Generation on Friday.

Njenga said the situation in public universities is particularly alarming, with outlets surrounding campuses giving students easy access to cheap and illicit alcohol.

He mentioned Kenyatta University as one example, where students obtain alcohol from areas such as the student centre.

“They access some of these illicit products… so going forward, some amendments need to be made to existing legislation to implement some of these provisions,” he said.

He explained that university students now carry the second-highest burden of alcohol use disorders in the country, only behind public sector workers.

Njenga also shared data from private rehabilitation centres showing that between July and December 2024, 4,200 Kenyans were treated for substance use problems, and 1,900 of them were aged between 19 and 35.

“That tells you we have a big burden amongst that population group,” he said.

The proposed crackdown forms part of the National Policy for the Prevention, Management and Control of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse, developed by NACADA to address what it calls the worsening alcohol crisis in Kenya.

The policy proposes increasing the legal drinking age from 18 to 21, and enforcing a strict ban on all alcohol sales within 300 metres of schools, colleges, and universities.

The background to the policy shows a disturbing trend.

According to a 2022 national survey by NACADA and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, children as young as seven are consuming alcohol.

Among the 15–24 age group, one in every 11 youths is currently using at least one substance, and one in every 20 consumes alcohol.

The situation worsens among those aged 25 to 35, where one in every seven is a current alcohol user.

To curb access, the policy also seeks to outlaw alcohol sales in supermarkets, online platforms, vending machines, restaurants, and even home deliveries.

It proposes to block anyone under 21 from entering or accessing any alcohol-selling outlet, even if accompanied by an adult.

“There should be no person below the age of 21 allowed to access or enter any alcohol selling outlets whether alone or accompanied,” the policy states.

Njenga said the focus on learning institutions is necessary to protect young people at a vulnerable stage and reduce long-term harm.

“We’ve been having serious conversations with universities. The figures are very alarming,” he said