30/07/2025
Today 30th July 2025, .kenya has taken another dramatic step and raised the legal drinking age in Kenya to 21 years. It is a controversial decision in the eyes of this country and as a youth development and public health enthusiast, I want to raise my voice and give my opinion in the matter.
Of course, it is controversial, but still, we should be frank, alcohol abuse is becoming a silent killer that deprives our young people of their future, promises, and sometimes, even life. Most are not yet in the adult world and at 18, they may be either finishing high school or making that transition with strong driving emotions disproportionate to wisdom. Thus, the given move is not just a limitation; it is a preventive effort.
I have witnessed personally how the impact of early exposure to alcohol is the cause of addiction, drop out rates at schools, home problems, and anxiety/Depression. Incremental age increase is not a punishment but simply providing our young generation with more chances to live a stable adult life.
We must combine this policy with more enforcement, raising of awareness, and alternative youth empowerment programs. Laws will not directly assist in fundamental issues affecting the society but it is a step forward.
It is time to converse on these tough topics and save the future. I will support any policy that can prioritize the welfare of the young people over profits.
