The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced a nationwide crackdown on bars and liquor stores near educational facilities.
This project is based on the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010, which states that such facilities must be at least 300 meters away from nurseries, primary, secondary, or any other educational institutions serving individuals under the age of 18 (Section 12(1)(c)).
The crackdown will entail working with appropriate national and local government entities to ensure that these outlets' placement conforms with the law.
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Violators of this order shall face the penalties specified in the Act, which include a fine of no more than 500,000 shillings, imprisonment for no more than three years, or both.
The directions came only one week after NACADA ordered the removal of billboards selling alcoholic drinks near schools across the country.
According to a statement released by the Authority on Monday, the trend persists 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."
The removal of ads complies with the Alcoholic Drinks Promotion Regulations and the regulations of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010.
To carry out the instruction, NACADA is actively engaging with key national and county government partners to oversee the removal of alcohol-related billboards near educational institutions.
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