The government has intensified its crackdown on illicit brews and counterfeit alcohol, with Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen vowing that authorities will not relent in the fight against the menace.
Murkomen directed National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and the National Police Service (NPS) to launch targeted operations against illicit brew dens and apprehend those responsible for the production and distribution of illegal and adulterated alcohol.
The crackdown comes amid growing public concern over the devastating effects of illicit alcohol, which has caused deaths, health complications, and social disruption in several regions.
Recent operations have seen the destruction of thousands of litres of illicit brew and the arrest of suspects, with authorities emphasizing the importance of safeguarding public health and protecting communities from harmful substances.
Murkomen also flagged the use of counterfeit Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps to endorse fake alcoholic products, highlighting the role of criminal networks in the proliferation of dangerous drinks.
In January, a multi-agency team impounded over 1,600 cartons of alcohol bearing fake excise stamps worth KSh 12 million at a plant in Kiambu County, underscoring the scale of the problem.
To address the issue, the government has introduced stricter regulations, including the suspension and fresh vetting of licenses for second-generation alcohol manufacturers, and the closure of bars operating in residential areas or near schools.
Authorities have also called for a multi-agency and community-driven approach, urging the public to report suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement.
Despite frustrations expressed by residents in affected counties, who accuse some local officials of complicity, the government maintains that ongoing operations will continue until the illicit alcohol trade is eradicated.
Murkomen assured the public that security teams remain on high alert, and that anyone found engaging in the illegal trade will face severe consequences, including heavy fines and jail terms.
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