NAIROBI Kenya May 20 – The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has ordered the removal of billboards promoting alcoholic drinks near learning institutions.
The authority yesterday regretted there has been increased promotion of alcoholic drinks and alcohol use through billboards erected near learning institutions across the country.
NACADA CEO Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the trend continues despite existing laws that prohibit advertisements that are misleading, deceptive, or likely to create false impressions about the characteristics, health effects, health hazards, or social implications of alcoholic beverages.
“Research shows that exposure to outdoor alcohol advertising near schools is associated with a higher likelihood of youth intending to use alcohol.
The CEO warned that exposure to outdoor alcohol advertising around schools is associated with youth intentions to use alcohol, adding that the current age of initiation to alcohol use in the country is seven years.
The removal of advertisements is in accordance with the Alcoholic Drinks Promotion Regulations and the provisions of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010.
“In line with the Alcoholic Drinks Promotion Regulations, NACADA is under the relevant provisions of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010 coordinating with relevant stakeholders in the country to enforce measures that will remove all the billboards near learning institutions,” it said.
To enforce the directive, NACADA actively coordinating with relevant stakeholders at both the national and county government levels to oversee the removal of all alcohol-related billboards situated near educational institutions.
“NACADA is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for our students. The presence of alcohol advertisements near schools undermines these efforts by normalizing alcohol consumption and presenting it as an appealing and glamorous choice,” the CEO said.
He added: “We call on advertising agencies and businesses to act with social responsibility and refrain from placing alcohol advertisements near learning institutions.”
Schools, according to the authority, should be secure environments that foster learning and personal growth, free from any influences that may contribute to harmful behaviours.
“The presence of alcohol advertisements near educational institutions, therefore, undermines these endeavours by normalising the consumption of alcohol and portraying it as an appealing and glamorous choice,” it said.
Further, Nacada called on advertising agencies and businesses to exercise social responsibility by not erecting alcohol advertisements near learning institutions.
By doing so, it said, they can help protect youth from the negative impacts of alcohol marketing and support their journey towards healthy and productive futures.
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