NACADA arrests 11 in Nairobi crackdown on counterfeit alcohol

The operation, conducted between August 20 and 31, 2026, covered eight sub-counties identified as areas of concern in the manufacture, distribution and sale of illicit and counterfeit alcoholic products.

The affected areas include Roysambu, Kasarani, Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Starehe, Lang'ata, Embakasi West and Kamukunji.

According to NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa, the operation was launched amid heightened public concern and reports of counterfeit, fake and potentially unsafe alcoholic products circulating in the market.

NACADA said it has been working with other government agencies to verify information submitted by members of the public through various platforms and facilitate prompt intervention by multi-agency enforcement teams.

The raids have also uncovered several compliance violations, including the use of counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise stamps, uncoded alcoholic products, expired alcoholic beverages and other counterfeit products.

NACADA said seized products are being subjected to verification in collaboration with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), National Police Service and other relevant agencies.

The agencies are also pursuing individuals suspected of being involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit and illicit alcoholic products.

Omerikwa said the crackdown is not targeting individual outlets alone but is aimed at disrupting the wider networks involved in the illicit alcohol trade.

“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,” NACADA said in the statement.

The Authority said suspects arrested during the operations will be subjected to due process, with investigations continuing to establish the source and distribution networks of the seized products.

NACADA said it will continue coordinating enforcement operations, public education and engagement with stakeholders to curb the circulation of unsafe alcoholic products and protect public health.

The latest operation forms part of intensified government efforts to combat illicit alcohol and other products that pose health and safety risks to consumers across the country.