A 10-day crackdown on counterfeit and unsafe alcoholic products in Nairobi has resulted in the arrest of 11 people and the seizure of significant quantities of illicit alcohol.
The operation, conducted between 20 and 31 August, targeted eight sub-counties as authorities intensified efforts to address growing concerns over the manufacture, distribution and consumption of counterfeit alcoholic products.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) said the operation covered Roysambu, Kasarani, Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Starehe, Lang'ata, Embakasi West and Kamukunji.
The authority said Nairobi is “disproportionately affected by illicit alcohol and counterfeiting”, making it a key focus of the multi-agency crackdown.
The operation uncovered several compliance concerns, including counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise stamps, uncoded alcoholic products, expired alcoholic beverages and other counterfeit products.
“NACADA is closely following heightened public concern and reports of counterfeit, fake and unsafe alcoholic products being manufactured, distributed, sold and consumed across the country,” the authority said in a statement.
NACADA said it was working with relevant government agencies to verify information shared by members of the public and facilitate prompt action by multi-agency teams.
The crackdown is being conducted jointly with the Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), National Police Service and other relevant agencies.
The seized products are being verified as authorities pursue those suspected of being involved in their manufacture, distribution and sale.
NACADA said the investigation would go beyond individual outlets and target the wider networks supplying counterfeit and illicit alcoholic products.
“The ongoing operations are not limited to individual outlets but are intended to disrupt the wider networks involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit and illicit alcoholic products,” it said.
The authority did not disclose the specific brands or quantities of alcoholic products seized during the 10-day operation.
The crackdown comes amid heightened public concern over the safety of alcoholic products being sold in Kenya, particularly those suspected to be counterfeit, expired or improperly manufactured.