On Monday, May 20, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) ordered the removal of billboards promoting alcoholic drinks that are positioned near learning institutions.
In a statement signed by NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa, it was reported that the number of such billboards has been increasing. NACADA, which is mandated to combat drug abuse in the country, remarked that the billboards could lead young people to start using alcohol.
“In line with the Alcoholic Drinks Promotion 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 billboards near learning institutions,” Omerikwa stated. NACADA emphasized that learning institutions should be safe environments that foster learning and personal growth, free from influences that may lead to harmful behavior.
Regarding the impact of the billboards on school-going children, NACADA noted that the advertisements are often glamorous and appealing to the audience. “NACADA calls on advertising agencies and businesses to exercise social responsibility by not erecting alcohol advertisements near learning institutions,” the statement continued.
Appealing to advertising agencies, NACADA urged them to protect youth from the effects of such advertising and to support the youth’s journey towards healthy and productive futures. In the new directive, all 47 counties will be expected to delegate enforcement officers to oversee the implementation of this order.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also been advocating for initiatives to fight alcohol abuse in Mt. Kenya and other parts of the country.
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