Comedian Eddie Butita has faulted NACADA for banning online advertisement of alcohol by content creators. Photo: Eddie Butitia IG/Web.
On Wednesday, July 30, NACADA banned use of celebrities and influencers to market and advertise alcoholic products in the new National Policy for the prevention, management and control of alcohol, drugs and substance abuse 2025.
Taking fault in the new policy, celebrated comedian Eddie Butita has faulted the Authority’s move stating that it is misguided, uninformed, as it failed to capture the views of all stakeholders, specifically content creators.
“I’m deeply concerned by NACADA’s recent decision to ban influencers and celebrities from marketing alcohol products online. While their intent to curb alcohol abuse is valid, the approach taken is misguided, uninformed and fails to involve key stakeholders especially content creators,” he stated.
Butita said that campaign s are guided by a mandatory training, and clear rules against promoting irresponsible drinking behaviour, citing companies like East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) and Diageo Marketing Code (DMC), ensure that influencers promote safe and informed messages.
“As someone who has participated in responsible drinking campaigns, I’ve firsthand how strict codes of conduct like EABL and DMC, ensure influencers promote safe, informed messaging. These campaigns are backed by mandatory training and clear rules promoting irresponsible behaviour,” he further stated.
According to him, the issue is not about influencer marketing, but lack of regulation for numerous unmonitored posts promoting alcohol online with the rising number on the internet, which he says will not stop.
“Banning trained creators only removes structured, responsible messaging from the conversation and ends vital public sensitization efforts,” he added.
Butita further faulted NACADA for failing to consult with content creators, arguing that NACADA should have worked with content creators to come up with ethical and informed guidelines for online adverts.
“We are not pawns in regulatory battles, we are partners in shaping modern communication. Instead of bans, NACADA should work with creators and industry players to co-develop ethical, informed guidelines for online alcohol promotion,” he added.
Butita called for a discussion with NACADA to chart away forward and find solutions. Other measures in the new guideline include; Minimum legal age for purchasing, consuming, and selling alcohol in Kenya raised to 21 from 18 years, and Minimum alcohol packages not to be less than 250ml.
Additionally, NACADA has prohibited Sale within basic education, tertiary & higher learning institutions, consumption of alcohol at public beaches & restaurants & dining areas in members’ clubs & hotels will be prohibited, adverts via audio-visual platforms during watershed period.
As well as home deliveries and courier delivery of alcohol, sale in the supermarkets, sale within residential premises and restaurants.
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