The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has busted what officials describe as a major alcohol counterfeiting network during a coordinated weekend operation in Naivasha—an area that has increasingly become a hotspot for illicit brews along the busy Rift Valley corridor.
Three suspects are now in custody as authorities move to clamp down on the growing threat of unsafe, unregulated alcohol ahead of the festive season.
How the Raid Unfolded
Acting on weeks of public complaints, a multi-agency team comprising NACADA, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the National Police Service (NPS), and National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) launched simultaneous raids on three establishments suspected of manufacturing and distributing counterfeit alcoholic drinks.
Inside the targeted premises, officers recovered large quantities of suspected illicit alcohol, including ethanol-based concoctions said to be falsely labelled and, in some cases, packaged in tiny 10ml portions—directly violating the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act.
Samples have since been submitted to the Government Chemist for toxicology analysis to determine their chemical makeup and the level of risk posed to consumers.
Why Naivasha?
Naivasha’s strategic placement—linking tourism hubs, long-haul transport routes, and vibrant hospitality establishments—has increasingly made it a prime target for illegal alcohol cartels. According to locals, the spread of dangerous brews has been a persistent, worsening problem.
NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa tied the stepped-up action to findings in the newly released Jukwaa la Usalama Report, which flagged alcohol and drug abuse as a rising security concern.
He noted that some bars in the area were “blatantly selling mislabelled ethanol-based drinks,” exposing consumers to harmful products disguised as legitimate alcohol.
Festive Season Crackdown Intensifies
With Christmas travel and celebrations expected to surge, NACADA has signaled heightened surveillance countrywide to curb the production, sale, and distribution of counterfeit alcohol.
The Authority is urging the public to share tips or report suspicious alcohol-related activities through its toll-free hotline 1192, saying community reporting remains essential in dismantling such networks.
