Nacada arrests 11 in Nairobi crackdown on counterfeit, unsafe alcohol
The multi-agency operation uncovered counterfeit excise stamps, expired beverages and uncoded alcoholic products across eight Nairobi sub-counties.
KENYA – Kenya’s National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has intensified its crackdown on counterfeit and unsafe alcoholic products following a multi-agency operation in Nairobi that resulted in 11 arrests and the seizure of illicit beverages.
In a statement issued on September 1, 2026, Nacada said it was closely monitoring public concerns over counterfeit, fake, and unsafe alcoholic products being manufactured, distributed, sold, and consumed across the country.
The authority said it is working with other government agencies to verify public reports and ensure prompt action by the multi-agency teams across the country.
A targeted operation conducted from August 20 to August 31 focused on Nairobi County, which Nacada described as disproportionately affected by illicit alcohol and counterfeiting.
During the ten-day operation, multi-agency teams conducted inspections across eight sub-counties: Roysambu, Kasarani, Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Starehe, Lang’ata, Embakasi West and Kamukunji.
The operation uncovered multiple regulatory violations, including counterfeit KRA excise stamps, uncoded alcoholic products, expired alcoholic beverages, and counterfeit products.
Nacada Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the authority is collaborating with the Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards and National Police Service.
The agencies are testing seized products and pursuing legal action against people involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of illicit alcoholic beverages. Nacada said the objective is to ensure that “offenders are subjected to due process of the law.”
Omerikwa said the crackdown is not limited to retail outlets, adding that the ongoing activities are intended to disrupt the wider networks involved in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of counterfeit and illicit alcoholic products.
Nacada said it remains committed to protecting consumers through enforcement and public awareness.
The authority remains committed to coordinated enforcement, public education, and stakeholder collaboration to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Kenyans.
The operation forms part of intensified government efforts to address illicit alcohol and products that pose health and safety risks.
The crackdown comes against concern over Kenya’s illicit alcohol market. A 2025 Euromonitor International report commissioned by the Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya found that 60 per cent of alcohol sold in the country was illicit.
The report also found that consumption of unregulated alcohol had increased by 27 per cent since 2022. It attributed the rise to high taxes on legal alcohol, the availability of homemade brews, and trade in counterfeit and smuggled alcoholic products.
Nacada’s operation continues enforcement across the supply chain, focusing on illicit alcohol manufacturing, distribution and sales.
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