NAIROBI, Kenya — A nationwide crackdown on illicit alcohol has netted more than 2.8 million litres of illegal brews and spirits, as the government steps up enforcement following a presidential directive declaring drug abuse a national security threat.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration said the seizures were made through coordinated multi-agency operations led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
“We have intensified the nationwide crackdown on illicit alcohol,” the ministry said. It added that recent operations led to the seizure of 2.8 million litres across the country.
The ministry said the directive frames drug and substance abuse as a national development and security emergency. It noted that enforcement is now focused on dismantling supply chains and production networks.
Analysis of the seizures shows the problem is concentrated in the Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western regions. These areas account for the largest share of confiscated alcohol.
Counties such as Kisii, Nairobi, Kakamega, Nakuru, and West Pokot have emerged as key hotspots. Officials linked the trend to entrenched brewing networks and high local demand.
In Rift Valley alone, authorities seized and destroyed more than 870,000 litres. Officials cited widespread production of chang’aa and kangara in the region.
Nyanza recorded over 690,000 litres, with Kisii posting the highest national figures. In Western Kenya, more than 600,000 litres were confiscated, led by Kakamega and Busia.
Nairobi recorded over 309,000 litres, mostly counterfeit alcohol. The figures highlight the growing urban dimension of the illicit trade.
Other regions posted lower volumes. Eastern Kenya recorded more than 200,000 litres, with Meru standing out. Central and Coastal regions reported about 60,000 litres each, reflecting sustained enforcement.
The North Eastern region recorded the lowest levels, with less than 500 litres seized.
The crackdown also targeted narcotics. Authorities reported seizing 21,280 litres of ethanol, 4,347 kilogrammes of cannabis, 7.7 kilogrammes of cocaine, 6.4 kilogrammes of ketamine, and 1.1 kilogrammes of methamphetamine.
A total of 973 suspects have been arrested. Officials say prosecutions will follow as investigations continue.
The operation follows a recent interception of illicit ethanol valued at about Sh1.2 million. NACADA officers seized 810 litres and arrested two suspects.
Anthony Omerikwa confirmed the arrests. He said the suspects remain in custody and will be arraigned in court.
He said illegal alcohol often enters the market through organised networks. These groups exploit regulatory gaps and weak enforcement points.
Officials say the latest data shows a shift in the illicit trade. High-volume production is now concentrated in specific regions, while enforcement has reduced activity elsewhere.
The ministry said the crackdown is part of a broader strategy to address drug abuse. It described the crisis as a growing public health and security concern.
Authorities have directed agencies to sustain pressure on supply chains. They say the goal is to disrupt production, distribution, and retail networks linked to illicit alcohol.
The government maintains that enforcement will continue nationwide, with a focus on high-risk regions and repeat offenders.
