The High Court in Nairobi has issued an interim order suspending the sale and delivery of alcoholic drinks through e-commerce applications and websites within Nairobi City County. This decision was made on November 9, 2026, in response to an application filed by David Biketi Wati against the County Government of Nairobi and other parties. The court has set strict licensing, access, and age-verification requirements that online platforms and vendors must comply with before resuming operations.
According to the court orders, online platforms and vendors involved in the sale or supply of alcoholic drinks must possess the relevant licences and authorisations required by law. Furthermore, alcoholic drinks must be listed exclusively in separately designated and access-restricted digital sections. Access to these sections must be protected through secure customer authentication, such as a password or personal identification number, alongside reliable age verification confirming that customers are at least 18 years old.
The court has also directed that a purchaser's age must be verified before a transaction is completed, while the recipient's age must be independently confirmed before the alcoholic drinks are handed over or delivered. Additionally, the advertisement, marketing, and promotion of alcoholic drinks through hyperlinks and other digital mechanisms that direct users to purchasing platforms are restrained unless they comply with the prescribed authentication and age-verification requirements.
This decision comes as Nairobi City County plans to strengthen regulation of the alcohol industry through the proposed Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Bill, 2026. The Bill aims 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 proposed legislation would bring online alcohol businesses and delivery services under stronger regulatory oversight.
The reforms intend to protect consumers, particularly young people, while ensuring legitimate liquor businesses operate within a transparent and accountable regulatory framework. Mathia also highlighted concerns over underage drinking and irresponsible alcohol advertising, noting that the County intends to strengthen consumer protection, improve oversight of the alcohol supply chain, and tackle counterfeit and illicit liquor.
The proposed Bill further seeks to promote responsible drinking, public awareness, and rehabilitation support for people struggling with alcohol dependency. The court orders mean that online alcohol sales cannot proceed unless the platforms and vendors meet the conditions set out by the court. The petitioner has been directed to serve the orders and directions upon 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, 2026, for confirmation of compliance and further directions. The court warned that disobedience or failure to comply with the orders could attract penal consequences.
Key points
- The Kenyan High Court has suspended online alcohol sales in Nairobi until platforms meet strict age verification and licensing requirements.
- The proposed Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Bill, 2026, aims to strengthen regulation of the alcohol industry.
- The reforms intend to protect consumers, particularly young people, and promote responsible drinking.
