Why Are Church Leaders Backing the Drinking Age Increase?
Church leaders across Kenya have strongly endorsed the government’s proposal to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21. Through the Kenya Council of Church Alliances and Ministries (KCCAM), they called the move “a bold and long-overdue intervention” to combat the country’s growing alcohol and drug abuse crisis.
During a press briefing in Nairobi, KCCAM threw its support behind new policy suggestions by NACADA, which include banning alcohol sales in supermarkets, restaurants, and public transport vehicles. Bishop Geoffrey Njuguna, in charge of governance at KCCAM, said, “We have witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of alcohol and drug abuse on families. The immense burden placed on parents, schools, the economy, and the healthcare system is undeniable.”
What Other Changes Are Church Leaders Calling For?
The clergy expressed concern over how alcohol advertising has normalized drinking among the youth. They want ads restricted to late-night hours when children are less likely to be exposed. “Advertisements promoting alcohol should be restricted to late hours, long after our children have gone to bed,” said Bishop Hudson Ndeda, Chair of the Church Council of Africa-Kenya.
They also stressed the importance of enforcement. “Passing laws is one thing, but implementing and enforcing them is what truly matters,” Ndeda added.
What Is the Bigger Picture on Alcohol Abuse in Kenya?
Bishop Kepha Omae, KCCAM’s National Chair, warned against pushing alcohol use underground, which could worsen the problem by encouraging the rise of illegal and unsafe brews. “We must ensure we don’t merely drive alcohol consumption underground. That would only lead to a rise in illicit brews and even more dangerous alternatives,” he said.
The church is urging a community-based approach, involving families, religious bodies, and other grassroots organizations in developing lasting solutions. “No one can celebrate what is happening to our young people. Families are suffering, and many are in pain because their sons and daughters have been consumed by addiction,” Bishop Omae added.
By Lucky Anyanje
