The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has intensified its crackdown on counterfeit and illicit alcoholic products following growing concerns over the manufacture, distribution and sale of unsafe drinks across the country.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa in a statement on September 1, 2026, said multi-agency teams have so far arrested 11 people and recovered significant quantities of counterfeit alcoholic beverages during a 10-day operation in Nairobi.
The operation, conducted between August 20 and 31, 2026, targeted eight sub-counties identified as being affected by illicit alcohol and counterfeiting.
The areas covered were Roysambu, Kasarani, Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Starehe, Lang’ata, Embakasi West and Kamukunji.
According to NACADA, the operation uncovered several serious compliance violations involving alcoholic products being sold to consumers.
Among the violations detected were counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise stamps, uncoded alcoholic products, expired alcoholic beverages and counterfeit products.
The authority said it is working with other government agencies to establish the source of the seized products and take legal action against those involved.
“NACADA is working closely with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), National Police Service and other relevant agencies to verify seized products, pursue persons involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit and illicit alcoholic products, and ensure that offenders are subjected to due process of the law,” Omerikwa said.
The crackdown comes amid heightened public concern over the availability and consumption of counterfeit, fake and potentially unsafe alcoholic products in different parts of the country.
Omerikwa said NACADA is collaborating with relevant government agencies to verify information shared by members of the public on various platforms.
The agency said the approach is intended to enable authorities to respond quickly to reports of counterfeit alcohol and disrupt networks involved in the illegal trade.
The authority noted that the ongoing operations are not targeting individual outlets alone but are aimed at dismantling wider networks involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit and illicit alcoholic products.
The agency said the crackdown will continue as authorities seek to establish the extent of the illegal trade and hold those responsible accountable.
NACADA said the presence of counterfeit and expired alcoholic products poses a serious concern to public health and consumer safety.
The authority is also pursuing public education and stakeholder engagement as part of efforts to address alcohol-related harm and prevent consumers from purchasing unsafe products.
The latest operation was led through a multi-agency approach involving NACADA, KRA, KEBS and the National Police Service.
Dr Omerikwa said the authority remains committed to coordinated enforcement and public education aimed at protecting Kenyans.
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