ABAK calls for tougher action against counterfeit alcohol as Kenya intensifies crackdowns
Alcohol industry leaders want stronger surveillance, border controls and traceability as authorities seize counterfeit and uncustomed drinks in Nairobi.
KENYA – The Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK) has called for stronger enforcement against counterfeit alcohol amid growing consumer concerns over the authenticity and quality of alcoholic beverages in the Kenyan market.
ABAK Chairperson Kui Kinyanjui said counterfeit products pose risks to consumers and undermine legitimate businesses, urging coordinated action to disrupt illegal alcohol trade networks.
“Kenyan consumers deserve the assurance that the products they purchase are genuine, safe and sourced through legitimate channels,” Kinyanjui said.
She urged the government to strengthen market surveillance, border controls and product traceability to prevent counterfeit and non-compliant alcoholic beverages from reaching consumers.
“The need for more enhanced collaboration among regulators, enforcement agencies, industry stakeholders and retail trade has never been more important to strengthen market surveillance, improve traceability mechanisms, and protect consumers from illegal and non-compliant products,” Kinyanjui said.
Kinyanjui also advised consumers to purchase alcoholic beverages only from authorised distributors, licensed retailers and reputable outlets. She called on the government to invest in intelligence-led enforcement and stronger border controls to safeguard product integrity and consumer confidence.
The concerns come amid recent online discussions and consumer complaints about the authenticity and quality of alcoholic beverages, including reports of unpleasant experiences after consumption.
National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the Authority had intensified enforcement operations nationwide, with a particular focus on Nairobi.
Omerikwa said Nairobi accounts for 55% of the consumption of life-threatening alcoholic drinks.
Recently, NACADA apprehended three suspects at a counterfeiting den in Jericho, Makadara Subcounty. Authorities seized 315 assorted counterfeit alcoholic beverages, alongside fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps, empty bottles and bottle tops intended for refilling.
The Jericho operation followed another crackdown in Eastleigh earlier in the week, where authorities seized 868 counterfeit and uncustomed alcoholic beverages and arrested two suspects.
The raids form part of intensified efforts by authorities to identify illegal alcohol operations and remove counterfeit and non-compliant products from the market.
ABAK said stronger cooperation among regulators, enforcement agencies, industry stakeholders and retailers would be important in improving surveillance and traceability across the alcohol supply chain.
Kinyanjui reiterated the need for consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing alcoholic beverages and to rely on licensed and reputable outlets to reduce exposure to counterfeit products.
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