The government has prevailed National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) after giving it more powers to enforce laws against alcohol abuse.

In the previous years, Nacada had to liaise with law enforcement officers but with the new directive, they can work independently and request assistance from the police if necessary.

Anthony Omerikwa, the Nacada Chief Executive Officer stated that this development will enable the Authority to carry its compliance and enforcement mandate in a legally binding environment.

“This means that Nacada can now confidently implement its supply suppression strategies with the full backing of the law. These are some of the teething problems that have been acting as stumbling blocks to the effective implementation of our mandate, but I am glad that we are now past that,” said Mr. Omerikwa.

The power vested to Nacada allows them to conduct any test or analysis or take any measurement and require any person found in the place to produce for inspection or copying any written or electronic information relevant to the administration or enforcement of the Act.

“I want to assure the public that we will do things differently in the future to ensure that the law is followed as expected. We also call on all stakeholders in the alcoholic drinks space to play by the rules to avoid legal action,” Mr Omerikwa added.

A gazette notice published on Friday, 1 December 2023, The Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki listed the names of the officers who may enter and inspect a premises with the consent of an occupant or under the authority of a warrant issued by a magistrate or High Court judge authorizing the person named in the warrant.

The law limits the time for such action from 6am and 6pm on any day of the week and states that Nacada Officers are not to use any force unless when accompanied by a police officer. The use of force has been specifically authorized in the warrant.