Kenya CSOs Unite to Tackle Alcohol Abuse : Propose 5 Solutions

Alcohol abuse in Kenya is escalating, prompting public health concerns as Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) advocate for stricter regulations. Concerned CSOs in Kenya are uniting forces to tackle the pressing issue of alcohol abuse within the country.

Recognizing the government’s ongoing efforts, these groups aim to add their voices and propose crucial solutions to create a healthier nation.To achieve this, CSOs are implementing multifaceted strategies encompassing advocacy, community engagement, and policy interventions.

Through targeted campaigns, they seek to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of excessive alcohol consumption on individuals, families, and society as a whole. Additionally, CSOs are collaborating with local authorities and healthcare providers to enhance access to addiction treatment and support services.

Moreover, they advocate for stricter regulations on alcohol advertising and sales to curb its widespread availability and accessibility, especially among vulnerable populations such as youth and marginalized communities.

By mobilizing resources and leveraging their collective influence, CSOs are committed to fostering a culture of responsible drinking and promoting public health and well-being across Kenya.

The Alarming Statistics on Alcohol Abuse

Recent reports by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) paint a concerning picture. Their 2022 report reveals 3.2 million Kenyans consume alcohol, with media reports highlighting a rise in alcohol-related deaths. CSOs emphasize the urgency of tackling this issue, calling alcohol “a cancer in our body politic.”

These alarming statistics underscore the pressing need for concerted action to address the root causes of alcohol abuse and its far-reaching consequences on public health and social well-being.

Leading the charge is Brian Magwaro of Blue Cross Kisumu who echoes that : “We recommend enhanced and increased excise taxes on alcoholic drinks and beverages on the grounds of them being unhealthy products,” he stated.

Magwaro’s advocacy aligns with global efforts to implement effective measures to deter excessive alcohol consumption and mitigate its adverse effects on individuals and society.

By advocating for higher excise taxes, Magwaro aims to not only discourage consumption but also generate revenue that can be allocated towards alcohol abuse prevention and treatment programs. This approach reflects a comprehensive strategy to address the multifaceted challenges posed by alcohol abuse in Kenya.

This sentiment is echoed by Benjamin Odhiambo, Programs Officer at Students Campaign Against Drugs (SCAD).

“Recently, we have witnessed uncountable deaths associated with alcohol in the media- and we believe there are more unreported cases. This situation makes alcohol a cancer in our body politic, which must be strictly addressed,” Odhiambo said.

Odhiambo’s remarks underscore the gravity of the situation and highlight the urgent need for decisive action to combat the pervasive influence of alcohol abuse in Kenyan society. His advocacy reflects a deep-seated commitment to safeguarding public health and promoting a culture of responsible behavior among individuals, especially the youth.

By raising awareness and mobilizing support for effective interventions, Odhiambo and organizations like SCAD are instrumental in driving positive change and creating a safer, healthier environment for all Kenyans.

Proposed Solutions to Alcohol Abuse

The CSOs propose a multi-pronged approach, led by Brian Magwaro of Blue Cross Kisumu:

• Increased Alcohol Excise Taxes:CSOs strongly advocate for higher taxes on alcoholic drinks, citing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) stance that increased excise taxes are the most effective way to reduce consumption and deter young people from starting. Magwaro stated, “We recommend enhanced and increased excise taxes on alcoholic drinks and beverages on the grounds of them being unhealthy products.”
• Specific Tax Recommendations: They recommend that the rates be at least increased by KES 56.98 per litre, KES. 97.37 per litre and KES 142.56 per litre, respectively, for Beer, wines, and spirits, aiming to make them less affordable. As such, they look forward to new excise rates for Beer, Wine, and Spirit at KES 199.42, 340.80, and 498.99, respectively.
• Curbing Alcohol Marketing: CSOs call for a complete ban on online alcohol promotion and advertisements to protect vulnerable populations, particularly youth, from targeted marketing tactics. This proactive measure aims to shield impressionable individuals from the pervasive influence of alcohol advertising, which often glamorizes consumption and normalizes harmful drinking behaviors.
• By advocating for stringent regulations on digital marketing channels, CSOs seek to mitigate the risk of underage drinking initiation and reduce the overall societal burden associated with alcohol-related harm. This approach aligns with evidence-based strategies aimed at promoting public health and safeguarding the well-being of future generations.
• Stricter Regulations on Availability: They advocate for a total ban on alcohol sales within a 500-meter radius of schools, religious institutions, and areas frequented by children. This proposal aims to create safe zones where children and young people are less likely to be exposed to alcohol marketing and tempted to engage in underage drinking.
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• By implementing such regulations, CSOs seek to protect the vulnerable demographic from the harmful effects of alcohol consumption and promote healthier environments conducive to their growth and development. Additionally, these measures reinforce the importance of community-based efforts in addressing alcohol abuse and fostering responsible drinking practices within society.
• Earmarking County Alcohol Licensing Fees: The proposal urges county governments to utilize revenue collected from alcohol licensing for rehabilitation programs, public education, and prevention initiatives to mitigate the negative impacts of alcohol abuse.

• By earmarking these funds for specific purposes related to alcohol harm reduction, such as rehabilitation and education, county governments can allocate resources effectively to address the root causes of alcohol abuse and support individuals affected by it. This approach not only ensures transparency and accountability in the use of public funds but also demonstrates a proactive commitment to promoting public health and well-being within local communities