The proposed Alcoholic Drinks and Drugs Control Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has faced opposition from alcohol industry players and county liquor licensing boards, who warn that it could threaten thousands of jobs, reduce government revenue and undermine the constitutional powers of county governments.
The Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK) and the Caucus of Liquor Licensing and Control Boards of Kenya have called for the withdrawal of the Bill, arguing that its provisions could weaken legitimate businesses, encourage illicit alcohol trade and centralise a function constitutionally assigned to counties.
The Bill, which was introduced in the National Assembly for First Reading on November 5, proposes raising the minimum drinking age from 18 to 21 years. It also seeks to restrict alcohol sales in supermarkets, restaurants and online platforms, introduce a Sh2 per litre levy on legitimate manufacturers and create additional licensing and product registration requirements.
Other proposals include limiting alcohol transportation to between 6am and 6pm and establishing a new committee to approve alcohol advertising and promotions. ABAK Chair Kui Kinyanjui warned that the proposed changes could make it harder for legitimate manufacturers to compete with illegal alcohol dealers.
Industry modelling estimates that raising the drinking age could put at risk Sh3.3 billion in annual retail and hospitality revenue, Sh1.8 billion in government tax revenue, 8,960 jobs and 1,792 licensed outlets. The proposed levy could also impose an additional Sh1.3 billion annual cost on legitimate manufacturers, potentially making regulated alcohol more expensive and pushing consumers towards cheaper illicit alternatives.
Meanwhile, the Caucus of Liquor Licensing and Control Boards argues that the Bill threatens the constitutional principle of devolution by transferring alcohol regulation powers from county governments to national institutions.The caucus maintains that the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution assigns liquor licensing to county governments and that Parliament cannot take over the responsibility through ordinary legislation.
It also raised concerns over proposed national committees that could make decisions on alcohol regulation without involving county governments and their licensing boards. The caucus said any changes affecting county functions must respect the constitutional roles of the Senate, Council of Governors and county institutions.
Both organisations support stronger action against illicit alcohol but insist that regulations should involve meaningful consultation with affected stakeholders. ABAK cited a 2025 Euromonitor International study estimating that illicit alcohol accounts for approximately 60 per cent of Kenya’s alcohol market by litres of alcohol equivalent.
The two bodies want Parliament to withdraw the Bill and engage county governments, regulators, public health stakeholders and legitimate industry players before introducing further changes.