This archive report was first published on 28 October 2019.
On October 28, 2019, the Kenyan government proposed amendments to the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, giving the Interior Cabinet Secretary the power to control TV alcohol advertisements.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i will have the authority to determine the hours during which alcohol advertisements can be aired on television.
Currently, agencies such as the Communications Authority, the Kenya Film Classification Board, and the National Campaign against Drug Abuse collectively regulate such advertisements.
The proposed amendment would allow the Interior CS to set the hours for electronic advertisements of alcoholic drinks without needing to consult with other agencies.
The Bill, introduced by South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro, aims to address the rising cases of under-age drinking blamed on advertising influence.
According to the proposed amendment, the Cabinet Secretary 'shall prescribe the hours within which electronic advertisement of alcoholic drinks shall be done.'
