The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced a nationwide crackdown on bars and alcohol dispensing locations near educational facilities. 

This initiative is based on the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010, which requires that such establishments be located at least 300 metres away from nurseries, primary, secondary, or any other educational institutions serving people under the age of 18 (Section 12(1)(c)).

The crackdown will involve collaboration with relevant national and county government agencies to ensure that these outlets' positioning complies with the law.

Violators of this directive will face the penalties outlined in the Act, which include a fine of no more than 500,000 shillings, imprisonment for no more than three years, or both.

The directives come just one week after NACADA ordered the removal of billboards advertising alcoholic beverages near educational institutions across the country. 

According to a statement issued by the Authority on Monday, 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," NACADA stated. 

"Alarmingly, the current average age of initiation to alcohol use in Kenya 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. 

To enforce the directive, NACADA actively coordinating with relevant stakeholders at both the national and county government levels to 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," said Anthony Omerikwa, CEO, NACADA. 

"We call on advertising agencies and businesses to act with social responsibility and refrain from placing alcohol advertisements near learning institutions."