Children Brought Up By Single Parents Drink More, IPSOS

The report shows that children with only their mothers are worst hit at 59 percent compared to those brought up by their fathers at 41 percent. 
 
The research which covered six counties and saw over 800 minors interviewed further shows that most of them start drinking alcohol between the age of 12 and 16 years at 56 percent. 

According to the report, a wide majority of the underage alcohol consumers received their first drinks from friends and relatives (94.3 percent).

Boy schools tend to account for the highest underage alcohol consumption while the habit tends to be almost evenly skewed between those that receive more than Ksh 3000 and less than Ksh 500 per term as pocket money.

Beers and spiritsare the most consumedalcoholic beverage type by minors at 59.8% and 58.1% respectively.

STIFF PENALTIES

Peer pressure is the leading driver of alcohol consumption among minors.

The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (2013) imposes stiff penalties to individuals who sell alcohol to minors or even allow them access to areas where alcohol is manufactured, sold or consumed Sec 24 (1).

The Act also ensures the right to access information and education on health effects of alcohol abuse and access to treatment and rehabilitation programs for those facing the detrimental effects of alcohol.  
 
IPSOS business consultant Godwin Asiimwe who represented the report during the launch of the campaign against the vice, says stressful education system and peer pressure are largely to blame for the worrying trend. 
 
KNUT secretary general Wilson Sossion reacting on the study agreed that the education system in the country is stressful saying there is need for a curriculum review as well as other measures to stop underage drinking of alcohol in the country. 

By Maureen Murimi