KENYA – The Students Campaign Against Drugs (SCAD) and the International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA) are calling for an increase in health taxes on alcohol in Kenya.
In a joint statement, the organizations argue that raising alcohol prices through taxes could help reduce consumption, particularly among high-risk groups such as youth, while addressing the growing burden of alcohol-related health problems.
According to SCAD and IILA, the implementation of higher health taxes on alcohol would not only curb heavy drinking but also generate critical revenue for public health services and programs.
Citing a recent poll, the organizations highlighted that 65% of Kenyans support the idea, believing that increased taxes would discourage alcohol use, particularly among heavy drinkers.
Currently, approximately 1 in 8 Kenyans use alcohol, with 1 in 20 suffering from alcohol use disorders, according to national statistics.
Despite these alarming figures, the last time Kenya raised alcohol taxes was in 2022. Furthermore, the Finance Act 2023 removed inflation adjustments, leaving alcohol prices relatively stagnant amid rising public health concerns.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized health taxes as a cost-effective measure to prevent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as liver diseases and cancers.
SCAD and IILA echoed this point, emphasizing the potential benefits for lower-income households, which often suffer the most from alcohol-related harm.
In March 2024, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) proposed that beer excise should rise by KES56.98 (US$0.44) per litre, bringing the total to KES199.42 (US$1.54) per litre, while wine and spirits would see new rates of KES340.80 (US$2.64) and KES498.99 (US$3.86) per litre, respectively.
NACADA (National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse) has taken proactive steps to address alcohol-related harm in Kenya.
In June 2024, NACADA unveiled its 2023-27 strategic plan, focusing on resource allocation and community-based initiatives to combat drug and alcohol abuse.
The authority is also conducting a nationwide crackdown on bars and liquor outlets located near schools and areas frequented by individuals under 18 years old.
NACADA’s CEO, Anthony Omerikwa, affirmed that the crackdown targets establishments operating less than 300 meters from educational institutions, reinforcing efforts to protect the youth from alcohol-related harm.
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