Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing strict alcohol regulations, reiterating that the lives and futures of young people must take precedence over profits.
Speaking at a town hall meeting Friday evening in Kajiado, Murkomen defended proposals to raise the legal drinking age to 21 and to restrict alcohol sales near schools, as well as advertisements during prime time when children are likely to be watching.
“We said alcohol should not be sold next to schools and that alcohol ads should not run during children’s viewing hours. Suddenly, I faced criticism. Strangely, even church leaders did not come out to support me,” the CS remarked.
He expressed dismay that some companies have acknowledged profiting from underage drinkers aged 18 to 20, warning that this trend indicates a deeper national crisis.
“It is troubling that some companies openly admit they are making profits from 18, 19, and 20-year-old youth. If it becomes normal to market alcohol to kids playing sports or watching TV, then we have a serious problem in this country,” he stated.
Murkomen drew comparisons with global practices, citing his personal experience while studying in Washington, DC.
“In the U.S., if you want to drink, you must be at least 21 and show your ID. No club lets you in without proper identification. Why should it be different in Kenya?”
He also countered claims that regulation would harm the economy.
“Some argue that regulations will collapse the economy. But we must regulate alcohol—even if it’s good alcohol. Whether we receive support or not, we will push ahead with this policy.”
The CS urged all stakeholders, including the clergy and civil society, to rally behind efforts to safeguard the nation’s youth.
“We cannot prioritize profit over our children’s lives. We must remain firm in protecting Kenyans, especially the youth, from the dangers of unregulated alcohol consumption,” he stressed.
Source: KBC
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