NAIROBI, Kenya
Kenya’s Rift Valley and Nyanza regions have emerged as the epicenters of illicit alcohol production and distribution, as authorities seized more than 2.8 million litres of illegal brews in a sweeping nationwide crackdown launched late last year.
Government data shows that a total of about 2.8 million litres of illicit alcohol have been confiscated since December 2025, alongside the arrest of hundreds of suspects in an operation targeting manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
The Rift Valley region recorded the highest volume of seizures, with more than 870,000 litres recovered, followed by Nyanza with over 690,000 litres.
Western Kenya ranked third with roughly 600,000 litres, underscoring a concentration of the illegal trade in the western part of the country.
Officials say counties such as Kisii, West Pokot, Nakuru and Kakamega have emerged as key hotspots, reflecting entrenched supply chains and sustained local demand.
The crackdown, coordinated by a multi-agency team, was initiated after William Ruto declared drug and substance abuse a national security concern.
Authorities say the campaign has expanded beyond arrests to include destruction of illegal brews and dismantling of production sites.
Comparison with previous year
The latest figures mark a sharp increase compared to last year, when significantly smaller volumes were reported despite ongoing enforcement efforts.
In the previous reporting period, Nyanza led with about 195,000 litres of illicit alcohol seized, while Rift Valley recorded just over 56,000 litres.
That means the current haul in Rift Valley alone — over 870,000 litres — is more than fifteen times higher than the previous year’s figures, while Nyanza’s seizures have more than tripled, pointing to both intensified enforcement and a potentially expanding illegal market.
Analysts attribute the surge partly to improved intelligence-led operations and tighter coordination among agencies, but also warn it may reflect the scale and resilience of illicit brewing networks across the country.
Interior officials say the government will sustain the crackdown, particularly during high-risk periods, as it seeks to dismantle the supply chain and curb a trade long blamed for serious health risks and social harm.
