The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has intensified its crackdown on counterfeit and illicit alcoholic products following a 10-day multi-agency operation across Nairobi.
The operation, conducted between August 20 and 31, 2026, resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects and the seizure of significant quantities of counterfeit alcoholic beverages from several parts of the capital.
NACADA said the operation was carried out in eight Nairobi sub-counties, including Roysambu, Kasarani, Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Starehe, Lang’ata, Embakasi West and Kamukunji.
The crackdown comes amid growing public concern over the manufacture, distribution and sale of fake, expired and potentially unsafe alcoholic products in the country.
Fake KRA stamps among violations uncovered
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the operation uncovered several serious violations involving alcoholic products and their distribution.
Among the concerns identified were counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise stamps, uncoded alcoholic products, expired beverages and counterfeit alcohol.
Omerikwa said NACADA was verifying information shared by members of the public across different platforms to facilitate timely intervention by multi-agency teams.
The authority is working with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), National Police Service (NPS), Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) and other government agencies.
The agencies are examining the seized products and investigating individuals suspected of being involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit and illicit alcoholic beverages.
240 counterfeit drinks seized in Mukuru
One of the latest operations was conducted on Monday, August 31, when a multi-agency team raided an outlet in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Embakasi South.
Officers seized 240 assorted alcoholic beverages believed to be counterfeit and bearing fake KRA excise stamps.
The operation resulted in the arrest of one suspect, who was taken to Jogoo Road Police Station as investigations continued.
NACADA said the case would proceed through the appropriate legal process, as authorities pursue those suspected of participating in the counterfeit alcohol trade.
The latest raid followed similar operations in Eastleigh, Jericho and South B, where authorities recovered hundreds of counterfeit alcoholic products alongside a significant quantity of narcotics.
NACADA targets wider supply networks
Rather than focusing solely on individual outlets, NACADA says the ongoing operations are aimed at disrupting the broader networks responsible for producing, distributing and selling illicit alcoholic products.
The authority said its intelligence-led approach is intended to identify the people behind the supply chains and prevent counterfeit products from reaching consumers.
Omerikwa said NACADA would continue working with government agencies to strengthen enforcement while also increasing public education and stakeholder engagement.
The crackdown also seeks to address the risks posed by products that enter the market without proper regulatory controls.
Counterfeit excise stamps, expired beverages and uncoded alcohol make it difficult for consumers to establish the authenticity and safety of products they purchase.
Public urged to report suspicious products
NACADA has encouraged members of the public to continue sharing information about suspected counterfeit and illicit alcoholic products.
The authority said information received from the public is being verified before multi-agency teams take enforcement action.
The intensified operations are part of wider efforts to protect Kenyans from the health and social risks associated with unsafe alcohol and illicit drugs.
NACADA said it will continue pursuing individuals involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit alcohol while ensuring that suspects are subjected to due process.
The authority maintained that the campaign is not limited to isolated businesses but is focused on dismantling the networks supporting the illicit trade.
