This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
On October 29, 2019, a proposed bill by South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro aimed to grant Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination Dr. Fred Matiang'i significant control over PG-rated advertisements, including liquor commercials on TV.
The bill, which seeks to amend the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, would give Dr. Matiang'i the power to decide when liquor commercials can be aired, effectively giving him veto power over the matter.
Osoro proposed this change in response to the growing concern of underage drinking being encouraged by TV ads.
Currently, the regulation of liquor commercials falls under the Communications Authority (CA), the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
However, the proposed bill would give Dr. Matiang'i the authority to make decisions on liquor commercials without needing to consult with these agencies.
Some have raised concerns about the bill, questioning why the government would want to give Dr. Matiang'i more powers and whether this is another example of the government trying to consolidate power.
