The High Court of Kenya has issued an interim order suspending online alcohol sales and deliveries in Nairobi City County. The order, issued by Justice David Mburu on November 9, requires digital platforms to introduce strict age-verification measures, restrict access to alcohol listings, and obtain necessary licences before selling or delivering alcoholic drinks. This decision affects e-commerce applications, websites, and other digital marketplaces involved in the sale and supply of alcoholic drinks.
According to the court order, online vendors and platforms must have the required licences and authorisations before conducting alcohol-related business. Alcoholic drinks must be listed in separately designated and access-restricted sections of digital platforms. Customers must undergo secure authentication, such as password or PIN verification, before accessing these sections. Additionally, platforms must establish reliable age-verification systems to ensure that users are at least 18 years old.
The court has extended age checks to the actual purchase and delivery process. A buyer's age must be verified before a transaction is completed, while the age of the person receiving the alcohol must be independently confirmed before the drinks are handed over or delivered. This move aims to prevent underage drinking and ensure that online alcohol sales are regulated.
The court order was issued in response to 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 judge certified the application as urgent and granted prayers two and three on an interim basis pending the hearing and determination of the application.
The court intervention comes as Nairobi County moves to tighten regulation of the alcohol industry through the proposed Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Bill, 2026. The proposed legislation seeks to address emerging challenges in the sector, including the growing popularity of online alcohol sales and delivery services.
Trade and Hustler Opportunities Chief Officer Lydia Mathia stated that the Bill would bring online alcohol businesses and delivery services under stronger regulatory oversight while tightening licensing requirements. The proposed reforms aim to protect consumers, particularly young people, while ensuring legitimate liquor businesses operate within a transparent and accountable regulatory framework.
The court has directed the petitioner to serve the orders on the respondents and interested parties within two days. The respondents and interested parties have seven days from the date of service to file and serve their responses. The matter will return to the Milimani High Court on November 18 for confirmation of compliance and further directions.
Key points
- The High Court of Kenya has suspended online alcohol sales in Nairobi, requiring digital platforms to implement age-verification measures and obtain necessary licences.
