Interior Ministry Lists Rift Valley Among Top Regions Leading in Illicit Alcohol Trade
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has identified the Rift Valley as one of the regions most affected by the sale and distribution of illicit alcohol, following a nationwide crackdown aimed at curbing the dangerous trade.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 15, the ministry revealed that a recent multi-agency operation spearheaded by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse led to the seizure and destruction of approximately 2.8 million litres of illegal brews across the country.
According to the ministry’s analysis, the Rift Valley, Nyanza and Western regions accounted for the largest share of confiscated illicit alcohol, highlighting the scale of the crisis in these areas.
Regions Leading in Illicit Alcohol Seizures
Official data indicated that enforcement teams recovered and destroyed:
- 800,000 litres in the Rift Valley,
- 690,000 litres in the Nyanza region, and
- 600,000 litres in Western Kenya.
Authorities warned that several counties within these regions have emerged as key hotspots for the production and distribution of counterfeit and unsafe alcoholic beverages.
“Analysis of the seizures reveals that the challenge is concentrated in the Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western regions, which accounted for the largest share,” the Interior Ministry stated.
“Counties including Kisii, Kakamega, Nakuru and West Pokot have emerged as key hotspots,” the statement added.
Nairobi Records Significant Recoveries
In Nairobi County, officials reported the recovery and destruction of 309,000 litres of illicit alcohol, underscoring the widespread nature of the illegal trade even in urban centres.
Meanwhile, Central, Coast and Eastern regions recorded comparatively lower volumes of seized illicit brews.
Officials attributed the decline in these areas to consistent enforcement measures and improved compliance with licensing regulations.
“Central and Coastal regions, where there’s been sustained enforcement, have recorded relatively lower volumes, while the North Eastern region has recorded minimal cases,” the ministry disclosed.
Government Declares Crackdown a National Priority
The announcement comes as part of a broader government directive declaring drug and substance abuse a national development and security emergency.
Security agencies across the country have since intensified surveillance, inspections and raids targeting manufacturers, distributors and retailers of illegal alcohol. Authorities maintain that the ongoing operations aim to protect public health, enhance community safety and dismantle criminal networks profiting from the illicit trade.
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