The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has issued a stern warning to digital influencers and content creators against promoting alcohol and drug use in their creative work.
The regulator revealed that it had noted with great concern the increasing trend where social digital media influencers as well as content creators are posting content that promotes use of drugs and substance us saying that such actions violate Kenyan law and pose a significant threat to vulnerable groups, particularly youth and children.
In a Press statement, NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa highlighted the growing concern over how digital platforms are being used to normalize or glorify substance abuse.
He stressed that while social media holds immense power to shape behaviors, it also carries the potential to influence uptake of bad trends, especially among youthful audiences.
“Social media has a profound influence on shaping behaviours, and it is crucial that influencers and content creators uphold ethical standards. Promoting drugs or alcohol, especially to younger audiences, undermines our efforts to combat substance abuse and protect vulnerable groups,” said Omerikwa.
Omerikwa pointed to the negative impact these messages can have on youth, who are already at risk of developing harmful behaviors due to peer pressure, easy access to online content, and the normalization of substance use in the digital space.
According to NACADA, promoting drugs and substance use through social media is not only irresponsible but illegal under Kenyan law.
The CEO cited the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010 and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act of 1994, which both prohibit the advertisement or promotion of drugs and alcohol in any form. Violators can face harsh penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
“Content creators must understand that glorifying substance use in any form is a violation of the law. We will continue to monitor digital platforms, and anyone found engaging in this will face the consequences,” Omerikwa added.
Omerikwa also urged parents and guardians to play a more active role in monitoring the content their children consume online.
He recommended enabling parental control settings on devices and educating children about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. He further encouraged the public to report any content promoting substance abuse to NACADA, which has set up a free helpline at 1192.
NACADA’s warning comes at a time when the digital space is booming with young influencers who have millions of followers, many of whom are teenagers and young adults.
