Alcohol consumption in Kenya remains high, despite the efforts by various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and government agencies to reduce the menace. While the current strategies to combat alcohol consumption in Kenya are laudable, it is noteworthy that a lot is left to be desired.
The alcohol industry is frustrating efforts to combat alcohol consumption. For them, economic arguments supersede arguments on health. They make frivolous and spurious claims suggesting that a strong alcohol industry is good for the economy, when in fact, the alcohol industry contribute to the dwindling health of the people . The economy of a nation is as strong as the health of the people. It is ironical, to say the least, that alcohol consumption is contributing to a strong economy.
When talking about the alcohol industry, we are reminded of the French economist Frederic Bastiat who wrote the parable of a shopkeeper whose windows were smashed. Appalled by the damage, the shopkeeper is consoled by the thought that at least his shattered windows are beneficial for the economy, because “everybody must live, and what would become of the glaziers if panes of glass were never broken?”
Aveek Bhattacharya, a Policy Analyst at the Institute of Alcohol Studies remarked, “The alcohol industry is, in some ways, like the glazier of Bastiat’s story. Global alcohol producers profit from harmful behavior. And they, too, try to defend themselves with the promise of employment and income, deliberately failing to recognize the devastating health impacts of alcohol consumption.
Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for NCDs, including mental ill-health. There is a strong link between alcohol and NCDs, particularly cancer, cardiovascular disease, digestive diseases and diabetes, as well as mental ill-health. Alcohol consumption caused an estimated 1.7 million NCD deaths in 2016. This equals: 4.3% of all NCD deaths and 65.5 million NCD DALYs. In 1988 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said: ”Alcoholic beverages are carcinogenic to humans.” Alcohol causes 7 types of cancer: mouth, throat (pharynx), food pipe (esophagus), voice box (larynx), breast (in women), bowel (colon and rectum), and liver cancer.
As NCD advocates, we are appalled by the deliberate flouting of advertisement policies for alcohol products and beverages. This is allegedly as a result of some government officials working in cahoots with the industry (On this allegation, the jury is still out there). Consequently, the alcohol manufacturers have even invaded child rights protection and safeguarding. Through their deceiving adverts, they have aggressively exposed children and young people to alcohol. Alcohol marketing use messages that insinuate to children and youth that alcohol is fun and that to have a good time, there must always be alcohol involved.
The government of Kenya must therefore stamp its authority in controlling overindulgence in alcohol consumption in Kenya. By implementing effective fiscal policies such as excise tax on alcohol, alcohol consumption will gradually drop. Civil Society Organizations must also continue to advocate for alcohol control and cessation. Creating awareness and sensitizing people on the health and economic consequence of alcohol must be sustained. Additionally, the government and CSOs must work together (in partnership and collaboration) to end this menace and fast-track the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially those related to health.
Written by Oduor Kevin
Digital Health Consultant, International Institute of Legislative Affairs.
ODUOR KEVIN 