KENYA – Kenya’s National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has issued a call for the removal of billboards promoting alcoholic drinks near learning institutions.
The move is part of an effort to safeguard students from the influence of alcohol advertising.
In a statement, Nacada expressed growing concern over the prevalence of alcohol advertisements in close proximity to schools across the country.
“This is observed to be happening, despite the law proscribing advertisements that are misleading or deceptive or that are likely to create an erroneous impression about the characteristics, health effects, health hazards, or social effects of the alcoholic drink,” said Nacada Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa.
Dr. Omerikwa highlighted the alarming trend of early alcohol initiation among Kenyan youth, noting that the average age for first-time alcohol use is now seven years.
He emphasized that exposure to alcohol advertising significantly increases the likelihood of young people developing an interest in alcohol.
To address this issue, Nacada plans to collaborate with national and county government authorities to enforce the removal of these billboards, as outlined in the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010.
“In line with the Alcoholic Drinks Promotions Regulations, Nacada is under the relevant provisions of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010 coordinating with relevant stakeholders in the country to enforce measures that will remove all the billboards near learning institutions,” Dr. Omerikwa stated.
Nacada asserts that schools should be safe spaces conducive to learning and personal growth, devoid of any influences that may encourage harmful behavior.
“The presence of alcohol advertisements near educational institutions, therefore, undermines these endeavours by normalising the consumption of alcohol and portraying it as an appealing and glamorous choice,” Dr. Omerikwa added.
The authority urges advertising agencies and businesses to act responsibly and refrain from placing alcohol advertisements near schools.
This directive coincides with Kenya’s ongoing battle against illicit brews. In March, the Interior Ministry suspended the licenses of second-generation alcohol manufacturers pending a rigorous vetting process.
Following this process, only five out of 29 manufacturers were allowed to resume production, ensuring compliance with stringent quality control measures.
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