The High Court has temporarily restricted the sale, listing and purchase of alcoholic drinks through online platforms and digital marketplaces in Nairobi County unless operators comply with the required licensing and regulatory conditions. In a ruling delivered on Monday, Justice David Mburu directed that online platforms must obtain the necessary operational licences before facilitating alcohol sales. The court further ordered digital marketplaces selling alcoholic beverages to establish designated age-restricted sections to prevent underage access.
According to the ruling, access to these sections must be protected through secure customer authentication methods such as passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs) or equivalent security measures. The platforms must also introduce reliable age-verification systems to confirm that customers are at least 18 years old before granting access. Additionally, the court directed that buyers’ ages must be verified before transactions are completed and checked again when the alcoholic products are delivered.
The orders also restrict the advertising and promotion of alcoholic drinks on digital platforms where the required regulations have not been observed. The matter is scheduled for mention on November 18, when the court will assess compliance with the directives and issue further directions.
Court Action Follows Urgent Petition
The orders were issued following an urgent application filed by David Biketi Wati against the Nairobi City County Government, the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board and other parties. The application sought the court’s intervention over the regulation of alcoholic beverage sales through digital platforms within Nairobi. The temporary restrictions are expected to remain in force pending further determination of the matter.
Nairobi Moves to Tighten Alcohol Industry Regulations
The court’s decision comes as the Nairobi City County Government moves to strengthen oversight of the alcohol industry through the proposed Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 3 of 2026). The proposed legislation seeks to address the sale and distribution of counterfeit and illicit alcoholic drinks, reduce underage drinking and promote responsible alcohol consumption.
It also proposes tougher licensing requirements, improved consumer protection measures and enhanced oversight of alcohol manufacturers, distributors and retailers operating within the county. The proposed law is part of broader efforts to strengthen regulation of the alcohol sector and address concerns surrounding the availability and distribution of alcoholic beverages in Nairobi.
