The church in Kenya has urged the government to consider increasing the minimum age for alcohol consumption beyond the currently proposed 21 years citing the devasting effects of alcohol and substance abuse.
While making a case for stricter laws to curb alcoholism Bishop Kepha Omae of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) has said the country is losing its most productive generation to alcoholism.
The proposal by Bishop Omae follows the launch of policy proposals by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) that seeks to tighten laws concerning alcoholism.
“Alcoholism is the source of moral decay and degradation in the country. I wish the bar could be raised above 21. When we talk of 18 or 21 that is too young.” Omae has said.
“As a church we don’t condone drunkenness the word of God is very clear about alcohol and strong drinks.” Omae has added.
NACADA amongst other proposals seeks to ban promotion and sale of alcohol online and on television, bar supermarkets from selling alcohol and bar celebrities from endorsing alcoholic drinks.
The authority has also proposed that manufacturers should cautionary messages on the effects of alcohol on all alcoholic bottles.
Bishop Omae who shepherds at the Redeemed Gospel church Liberty Centre -Mombasa Road has expressed support for the proposals urging the government to take seriously its mandate of protecting young people against the snares of alcohol and drugs.
“There is a population being destroyed before our eyes. 18- and 21-year-olds are school going children. A large number of them have dropped out of school due to alcohol addiction.” Bishop Omae has said.
The bishop has stated that the Evangelical Alliance will marshal all its members to support the policy guidelines saying the proposals are long overdue.
