Drinking Age Bill Risks 8,960 Jobs, Industry Says

The Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK) wants Parliament to withdraw the drinking age bill after its First Reading in the National Assembly on Thursday 5 November.

ABAK’s own modelling puts 8,960 jobs and 1,792 licensed outlets at risk. The Alcoholic Drinks and Drugs Control Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposes to raise the minimum drinking age from 18 to 21. If it passes, Kenyans under 21 could not buy alcohol, and a levy of Ksh2 per litre would apply to alcoholic drinks manufactured or imported.

What the drinking age bill proposes for buyers, sellers and brewers

Licensed premises could not admit anyone under 21. Alcohol outlets could not operate within 300 metres of learning institutions.

The Bill bans alcohol sales through online platforms, courier services, home deliveries, hawking and vending machines.

It creates a National Alcoholic Drinks Control Committee to oversee regulation, including the licensing of manufacturers and importers. Half of the annual levy income would fund the committee, and at least 15% would support civil society groups running programmes against drug abuse.

Offenders under the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act would face fines of up to Ksh10 million, up to five years in prison, or both.

The Majority Leader says 18 year olds are too young to decide

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah told the House that raising the age would protect young people from early alcohol consumption.

“Many of our children at 18 years are still very young and unable to make conscious decisions about what is good or bad in their lives,” he said.

He acknowledged that alcohol manufacturers could oppose the proposal.

Dadaab MP Farah Maalim said he supports controls on alcohol and would have preferred a full ban. “But why didn’t you include Miraa and Muguka in this Bill?” he said.

ABAK says the drinking age bill puts Ksh1.8 billion in tax revenue at risk

ABAK’s preliminary industry modelling indicates that raising the minimum age could put at risk about Ksh3.3 billion in annual retail and hospitality revenue, Ksh1.8 billion in government tax revenue, 8,960 jobs and 1,792 licensed outlets.

ABAK estimates the levy would add Ksh1.3 billion in annual costs for the industry. It says this widens the price gap between regulated products and illicit alternatives.

The association estimates that three million Kenyan adults aged 18 to 21 would lose access. It says they could turn to unregulated and informal channels.

“This Bill risks weakening legitimate businesses while creating more room for illicit alcohol to flourish,” said Kui Kinyanjui, Chair of ABAK.

Illicit alcohol makes up about 60% of Kenya’s market, ABAK says

ABAK cites a 2025 Euromonitor International study on Kenya’s illicit alcohol market. The study found illicit alcohol at about 60% of total alcohol by litres of alcohol equivalent (LAE, the volume of pure alcohol sold). Illicit volumes rose 27% since 2022 and grew faster than the legal market.

ABAK notes a joint action plan against illicit alcohol under way through the National Steering Committee on Combating Illicit Alcohol and Drugs, chaired by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki. It says the Bill raises compliance costs for legitimate manufacturers and could let more illicit players thrive.

ABAK also objects to distribution hours, licensing and advertising rules

ABAK says the Bill would limit alcohol distribution to between 6.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. It says this would disrupt supply chains, raise logistics costs and conflict with Kenya’s ambition to build a 24 hour economy.

It objects to duplicate national licensing and product registration, and to a new committee that approves advertising and promotions. ABAK says the Bill replicates existing structures and could encroach on constitutional mandates over alcohol licensing and regulation.

“We strongly urge Parliament not to advance the Bill in its current form,” said Kinyanjui. ABAK asks for consultation with county governments, regulators, public health stakeholders and the alcohol value chain.

What it means if the Bill passes

Kenyans aged 18 to 20 could not buy alcohol or enter licensed premises. Online, courier and home delivery sellers would lose that channel, and ABAK says supermarkets and restaurants would face new restrictions.

Outlets within 300 metres of a learning institution could not operate.

Who ABAK represents

ABAK describes itself as an umbrella body of manufacturers and distributors of adult alcoholic beverages. Its members include Kenya Wine Agencies Limited, Heineken, Kenya Breweries Limited, UDV Kenya, London Distillers Kenya, Pernod Ricard Kenya, African Originals and Two Cousins Distillers Limited.

What to watch next

The Bill has passed only its First Reading, as of 6 November 2026. The text provided gives no date for the Second Reading or for public hearings, and both are the next facts to watch.