IILA took part in a high-level WHO–Kenya Joint Mission convened in Nairobi to assess and strengthen alcohol control policies and tax frameworks. Led by the World Health Organization in partnership with the Kenyan Ministry of Health and other national institutions, the mission brought together stakeholders across health, finance, and legislative sectors.

During the mission, IILA CEO, Celine Awuor, presented on the pivotal role of health taxes particularly alcohol taxation in promoting public health, curbing harmful consumption, and financing national development goals. The discussions emphasized the alignment of alcohol tax reforms with Kenya’s non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention strategies and broader Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals.

Key focus areas included:

• Reviewing Kenya’s existing alcohol taxation structures and identifying gaps;

• Promoting evidence-based tax policy adjustments aligned with global best practices;

• Strengthening tax administration systems to reduce evasion and increase compliance;

• Enhancing multisectoral collaboration to ensure policy coherence and sustainability.

IILA reiterated the urgent need for progressive alcohol taxation that reflects health risks and economic costs associated with alcohol use. The institute also stressed the importance of reinvesting tax revenues into health promotion, treatment programs, and community education to support long-term behavior change.

This engagement reinforced IILA’s ongoing commitment to fiscal policy advocacy, regulatory reform, and regional collaboration for healthier populations. It also showcased the value of inclusive, government-civil society dialogue in shaping effective, equitable alcohol control measures in Kenya and across the region