The High Court has suspended the online sale of alcoholic drinks in Nairobi City County unless sellers hold valid licences and implement strict age-verification measures, in a move aimed at preventing minors from buying alcohol over the internet.
In interim orders issued at the Milimani Law Courts on Monday, November 9, 2026, Justice David Mburu barred the listing, sale and purchase of alcohol on online platforms and digital marketplaces in the county unless the platforms comply with the applicable regulatory requirements. The orders will remain in force until the case is determined.
Under the orders, alcohol cannot be sold online without valid operating licences, and platforms must create a separate, age-restricted section for alcoholic drinks.
“Access to that section is conditional upon secure customer authentication through a password, personal identification number or equivalent mechanism, together with reliable verification that the customer is aged eighteen (18) years or above, both requirements being completed before access is permitted,” the judge ruled.
A buyer’s age must be confirmed before a transaction is finalised, while the age of the person receiving the delivery must be checked again before the drinks are handed over.
The court also barred alcohol advertisements and promotions that link to purchase pages without meeting the requirements, warning that non-compliance could attract penalties.
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 judge certified the application as urgent and directed the petitioner to serve the orders within two days. The respondents and interested parties have seven days after being served to file their responses.
The case will be mentioned on November 18, 2026, to confirm compliance and issue further directions.
The ruling comes as the Nairobi County Government pushes ahead with the proposed Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Bill, 2026. The Bill seeks to tackle counterfeit and illicit liquor, underage drinking and irresponsible alcohol distribution.
