The government has stepped up its campaign against counterfeit and illicit alcohol after a multi-agency team led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) intercepted more than 4,000 suspected counterfeit alcoholic products in Kayole, Nairobi.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, September 2, targeted what authorities described as a distribution point for illicit alcoholic beverages.
More than 250 cartons of assorted products were recovered during the raid, while two suspects were arrested and taken to Jogoo Road Police Station pending further legal action.
The crackdown brought together officers from NACADA, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the National Government Administration Officers, the National Police Service and the National Gang Prevention Unit.
NACADA speaks on Kayole operation
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said information provided by members of the public had played an important role in enabling authorities to identify and disrupt illegal alcohol operations.
“I thank the public for continuing to volunteer valuable and actionable intelligence on unlawful alcohol counterfeiting activities within our neighbourhoods, which continue to yield positive results,” Omerikwa said.
He further warned that the authority would continue pursuing individuals involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit alcohol.
“The President has been very clear on the government’s stand on the fight against alcohol and drug abuse, and the Authority will continue to pursue all those involved in putting communities in harm’s way while undertaking their illegal activities,” he added.
Omerikwa also stressed that the campaign goes beyond arrests and seizures, saying NACADA was simultaneously developing community-based rehabilitation interventions for people struggling with substance-use dependence.
Kayole raid part of wider Nairobi crackdown
The Kayole seizure comes as authorities intensify operations against illicit alcohol businesses in Nairobi.
In another 10-day operation conducted between August 20 and 31, NACADA and its partners arrested 11 people after raids across eight Nairobi sub-counties.
Officials reported recovering suspected counterfeit drinks, expired alcoholic products, products without required codes and counterfeit KRA excise stamps.
Other areas recently targeted include Eastleigh, Jericho, Mukuru Kwa Njenga and South B, where authorities have recovered suspected counterfeit alcoholic products and made several arrests.
The repeated operations point to a broader strategy aimed at disrupting illicit alcohol networks rather than simply removing individual products from retail outlets.
Why counterfeit alcohol remains a major concern
Counterfeit alcohol presents a dual threat to consumers and legitimate businesses.
Consumers may unknowingly purchase products whose contents, manufacturing processes and safety standards have not been verified.
The problem also affects government revenue and legitimate manufacturers because counterfeiters can imitate established brands while avoiding taxes and regulatory requirements.
KRA has previously warned that possessing excisable goods carrying counterfeit excise stamps is an offence.
The authority advises consumers to buy excisable products from licensed manufacturers and approved distributors and to verify suspicious excise stamps.
KRA’s Excisable Goods Management System is designed to track excisable products, while its Soma Label application allows consumers to verify excise stamps on products.
The tax authority says illicit trade and counterfeiting undermine revenue collection, disadvantage genuine manufacturers and can expose consumers to substandard products.
Authorities warn illicit traders
Kenya’s Alcoholic Drinks Control Act provides a legal framework for regulating the manufacture, distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages.
Among its objectives is the elimination of illicit alcohol trade, including smuggling, illegal manufacturing and counterfeiting.
The law also prohibits the sale of adulterated alcoholic drinks, underscoring the legal and public-health concerns surrounding unregulated beverages.
For traders, the message from the latest operations is increasingly clear: authorities are not only targeting drinking establishments but are also going after suppliers, distributors and suspected manufacturing networks behind illicit products.
Public urged to report suspicious alcohol
NACADA has encouraged Kenyans to remain vigilant and report suspected counterfeit alcohol and other illicit drug-related activities.
The authority’s free 1192 helpline is available around the clock for counselling, referrals and incident reporting.
NACADA says information provided by the public is treated confidentially.
With the Kayole seizure following a string of similar operations in Nairobi and other parts of the country, the latest raid signals that the government’s campaign against counterfeit alcohol is moving beyond isolated enforcement exercises towards sustained disruption of the illicit supply chain.
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