Bill to Raise Kenya’s Drinking Age to 21 and Slap Ksh2 Levy Per Litre

Kenyans under 21 could soon be barred from buying or consuming alcohol if Parliament approves a proposed law seeking to raise the legal drinking age from 18.

The Alcoholic Drinks and Drugs Control Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was read for the first time on Thursday, November 5, marking the start of its consideration in the National Assembly.

The Case for 21

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah told the House that the change is aimed at protecting young people from early alcohol exposure.

“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. And, therefore, we want to increase the age limit for drinking from 18 to 21,” he said.

Ichung’wah acknowledged the proposal may draw opposition from alcohol manufacturers but insisted regulation is necessary.

A Ksh2-Per-Litre Levy

The Bill also proposes a Ksh2 levy on every litre of alcoholic drink manufactured or imported into Kenya, with proceeds funding alcohol regulation and anti-drug-abuse efforts.

Under the proposal, 50 per cent of annual levy income would finance the operations of a new National Alcoholic Drinks Control Committee, while at least 15 per cent would go to civil society organisations running drug abuse programmes.

The committee would oversee implementation of alcohol regulations, including licensing manufacturers and importers.

Sweeping Restrictions

The legislation seeks to close several loopholes in alcohol sales by banning:

• Online sales of alcoholic drinks
• Courier and home delivery services
• Hawking
• Vending machines

It would also bar alcohol outlets from operating within 300 metres of learning institutions, and prohibit licensed premises from admitting anyone under 21.

What Happens Next

The Bill now moves to the committee stage, where MPs will scrutinise its provisions before public participation and further debate. If passed, it would represent the most significant overhaul of Kenya’s alcohol laws since the Mututho-era Alcoholic Drinks Control Act.