The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) on Monday, May 20, ordered the removal of billboards positioned near learning institutions and promoting alcoholic drinks.
In a statement signed by Anthony Omerikwa, the NACADA Chief Executive Officer, it was reported that there was an increasing number of such billboards.
NACADA which is mandated to fight drug abuse in the country remarked that the billboards could initiate young people to alcohol use.
“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 the billboards near learning institutions,” Omerikwa ordered.
“These enforcement activities will involve all respective National and County Government authorities.”
NACADA remarked that learning institutions should be secure environments that foster learning and personal growth, free from any influences that may contribute to harmful behaviour.
On how the billboards can affect school-going children, NACADA remarked that the adverts are usually 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 read further.
Appealing to advertising agencies, NACADA called for the protection of youth from the effects of such advertising.
Additionally, NACADA urged agencies to help in supporting the youths’ journey towards healthy and productive futures.
In the new directive, all 47 counties will be expected to delegate enforcement officers to oversee the directive's implementation.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also been championing initiatives to fight alcohol abuse in Mt Kenya and other parts of the country.
