Drinking age and other alcohol rules
Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010 · sources read 2 Oct 2026
It is an offence to knowingly sell or supply alcohol to anyone under 18, with a fine of up to KSh 150,000, up to a year in jail, or both. A seller who asked for and saw a national ID or passport has a defence, which is why bars ask for ID.
- Where
- NACADA for enforcement complaints and the 1192 helpline; the county alcoholic drinks licensing office for licensing
What you need
- National ID card or passport, if the seller asks for proof of age
Steps
- To report a seller breaking the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, contact NACADA, which lists enforcement of compliance with the Act among its services.
- For help with drinking, call the free 24-hour NACADA helpline 1192 for counselling and referral.
Watch out
- Being drunk and incapable or drunk and disorderly in or near a street, road, bar, shop, hotel or other public place is an offence: a fine of up to KSh 500, up to three months in jail, or both.
- A bar cannot sue to recover a debt for drinks delivered for drinking on its own premises.
- Alcohol may not be made, packed, distributed or sold in containers smaller than 250 ml, which rules out sachets.
Who this covers
- Protects young people under 18.
- Licensed bars and other premises where alcohol is made, stored or drunk.
- Under-18s may not be employed to sell alcohol.
Official sources (2)
- Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, No. 4 of 2010 (Cap. 121) new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- NACADA Service Delivery Charter nacada.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026