Statistics Paint a Worrying Picture

Recent reports by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) reveal a troubling trend. Their 2022 data shows over 3.2 million Kenyans consume alcohol, with media reports highlighting a rise in alcohol-related deaths. CSOs emphasize the urgency of tackling this issue, calling alcohol “a cancer in our body politic.”

A United Front for Change

Leading the charge are figures like Brian Magwaro of Blue Cross Kisumu. “We strongly advocate for increased excise taxes on unhealthy alcoholic beverages,” he stated. This sentiment is echoed by Benjamin Odhiambo of Students Campaign Against Drugs (SCAD). “The media portrays countless alcohol-related deaths, with likely even more unreported cases. This situation demands stricter measures,” Odhiambo said.

Multi-Faceted Solutions Proposed

The CSOs propose a comprehensive approach to combat alcohol abuse:

• Increased Alcohol Taxes: Aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO), the CSOs recommend higher taxes on alcoholic drinks. The WHO considers this the most effective way to reduce consumption and deter young people from starting.
• Specific Tax Hikes: They recommend that the rates be at least increased by KES 56.98 per litre, KES. 97.37 per litre and KES 142.56 per litre, respectively, for Beer, wines, and spirits, aiming to make them less affordable. As such, they look forward to new excise rates for Beer, Wine, and Spirit at KES 199.42, 340.80, and 498.99, respectively.
• Curbing Alcohol Marketing: To protect vulnerable populations, particularly youth, the CSOs call for a complete ban on online alcohol promotion and advertisements.
• Stricter Availability Regulations: They advocate for a total ban on alcohol sales within a 500-meter radius of schools, religious institutions, and areas frequented by children.
• Repurposing Alcohol Licensing Fees: The proposal urges county governments to use revenue collected from alcohol licensing to fund rehabilitation programs, public education campaigns, and prevention initiatives to mitigate the negative impacts of alcohol abuse.