The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has revealed counties leading in consumption of illicit alcohol following a nationwide crackdown that has seen the seizure of over 2.8 million litres of illegal brews and spirits.
In a statement dated April 15, 2026, the ministry stated that the operation led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) is being carried out in line with a presidential directive declaring drug and substance abuse a national development and security emergency.
“We have intensified the nationwide crackdown on illicit alcohol, with recent multi-agency operations led by @NACADAKenya resulting in the seizure of 2.8 million litres of illegal brews and spirits across the country, in line with the Presidential directive declaring drug and substance abuse a national development and security emergency,” read part of the statement.
The Ministry of Interior revealed that Kisii emerged as the most affected county nationally due to its highest volume of illicit alcohol seizures in its region.
Other counties with high consumption are Nairobi, Kakamega, Nakuru, and West Pokot. In Nairobi, authorities seized more than 309,000 liters of illicit and counterfeit alcohol during the operations.
Ministry of Interior Reveals Regions With the Highest Alcohol Intake
According to the Ministry of Interior, Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western regions account for the largest share of illicit alcohol cases.
“Analysis of the seizures reveals that the challenge is concentrated in Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western regions that accounted for the largest share,” read part of the statement.
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Rift Valley recorded the highest burden, with more than 870,000 liters of illicit brews and spirits seized and destroyed.
The region covers counties including Nakuru, West Pokot, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Samburu, Narok, and Turkana, with Chang’aa and Kangara identified as the dominant illicit brews.
In addition, the Western region followed with over 600,000 liters seized, with Kakamega and Busia emerging as the most affected counties, alongside Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, and Vihiga.
Nyanza also recorded about 690,000 liters seized, with Kisii emerging as the most affected county, followed by Migori, Nyamira, Siaya, Kisumu, and Homa Bay.
Other Regions and Their Alcohol Intake
The Ministry of Interior highlighted that the Eastern region recorded about 200,000 liters of illicit alcohol seized and destroyed, with Meru standing out as the highest contributor within the region.
Central and Coastal regions recorded lower volumes, estimated at over 60,000 liters each, following the sustained enforcement and improved compliance in licensing and regulation in the regions.
Further, the ministry argued that the North Eastern region recorded the lowest figures nationwide, with fewer than 500 liters seized, indicating a minimal number of reported cases.
“Central and Coastal regions, where there’s been sustained enforcement, have recorded relatively lower volumes, while the North Eastern region has recorded minimal cases.”
DCI Assists in Ending Drug Consumption In Kenya
Earlier, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Police Service, NACADA, and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) carried out coordinated anti-drug operations across the Mombasa, Nairobi, and Nyanza regions, arresting multiple suspects and recovering narcotics, illicit alcohol, and other prohibited goods.
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In Mombasa’s Likoni area, officers arrested several suspects allegedly involved in distilling and packaging a substance labeled “SMART Vodka,” alongside equipment and customs stickers.
In a separate raid within the same region, other suspects were found in possession of suspected heroin and other narcotics valued at about Ksh 4.6 million.
In Nyanza, security officers intercepted a bus along the Kisumu–Kericho highway carrying suspected narcotics concealed in bags, leading to the arrest of one suspect.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi’s Kasarani area, police raided a rented house and recovered suspected drugs, packaging materials, electronic devices, and cash, leading to the arrest of three suspects linked to drug trafficking activities.
