NACADA cautions Kenyans against drinking alcohol at home

NACADA has cautioned members of the public against a growing trend of alcohol consumption from home saying it exposes children to underage drinking.

This comes following a controversial proposal by the Ministry of Health imposing more restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol.

The ministry, in a notice, proposed that alcohol should not be sold to sit-in customers at restaurants, eateries, bars, food courts, entertainment joints, supermarkets, wines & spirits or any other business establishments.

NACADA has since, however, expressed worry that these restrictions may only serve to leave the home as the main alternative to those wishing to indulge in drinking.

“Drinking at home also undermines the protective home environment for the pupils and students who are staying at home because of the containment measures imposed by Government to check the spread of COVID-19,” said NACADA Chairperson Prof. Mabel Imbuga.

“We advise parents to take advantage of the situation to create an alcohol-free home environment as well as build closer relationships with their children.”

According to Prof. Imbuga, surveys carried out by NACADA on the prevalence of drug abuse in secondary schools in 2017 and primary schools in 2019 showed that many of the respondents indicated that they were initiated into alcohol and drug use at home.

“While we fully support the measures taken by Government in containing the Corona virus pandemic, we are strongly opposed to the consumption of alcohol and drugs through organized groups drinking bouts in homes in the presence of children,” she added.

“We appeal to members of the public to report such cases to NACADA through our toll-free line No. 1192 or to any National Government Administration Officers.”

Prof. Imbuga further stated: “Parents and caregivers have a primary responsibility to be vigilant and protect children from access and exposure to alcoholic drinks and other substances of abuse.”