NACADA Tells Content Creators, Social Media Influencers To Stop Advertising Drugs

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has appealed to social and digital media influencers as well as content creators to cease promoting drug and substance use.

In a statement dated September 23, NACADA revealed that it noted with concern the increasing trend where social and digital media influencers, as well as content creators, are posting content that promotes the use of drugs and substances.

The authority added that such content, often directed at young audiences, poses a significant threat to the fight against alcohol and drug abuse, while undermining the efforts to protect vulnerable groups, especially children, from these harmful influences.

National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse CEO Anthony Omerikwa during the NACADA strategic plan launch 2023-2027 on June 19, 2024. /PHOTO

NACADA therefore implored influencers and content creators against using their platforms to normalize or glorify drug use. 

"The Authority reminds the public that promoting drugs and substance use through social media is not only irresponsible but is also a violation of the law," warned the authority.

"Under the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010 (ADCA) and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, 1994, promoting, advertising, or encouraging drug use is illegal and punishable by law."

NACADA further encouraged parents and guardians to closely monitor the content their children are exposed to online, particularly on social media platforms, citing the lack of adequate safeguards.

"Parents should exercise control by enabling parental control settings, educating children about the dangers of drug use, and reporting any harmful content to relevant authorities," added the authority.

"Social media platforms and digital content creators have a responsibility to uphold ethical standards and promote healthy behaviours among their audiences."

On May 27, NACADA announced a nationwide crackdown on bars and alcohol dispensing locations near educational facilities, including schools, explaining that it was aimed at enforcing regulations regarding the placement of bars and other alcohol dispensing outlets in proximity to educational institutions or areas catering to individuals below the age of 18.

On Monday, May 20, NACADA announced that it would go after all billboards promoting alcoholic drinks and alcohol use, erected near learning institutions in Kenya, taking note of the increased promotion of alcoholic drinks and alcohol use through billboards erected near learning institutions across the country.

NACADA's moves are aimed at curbing the menace brought about by drug and substance abuse in the country, the most recent ones seeing them shifting attention to advertising channels both offline and online.

Photo of a billboard. /SHUTTERSTOCK