The Nairobi City County Government has issued a 14-day ultimatum to traders and individuals whose alcoholic drinks were seized during enforcement operations conducted over the last four years.
In a notice published by the Nairobi City County Alcohol Drinks Control and Licensing Board on Thursday, May 21, the county warned that all unclaimed alcoholic drinks and related exhibits confiscated between November 29, 2021, and December 8, 2025, will be destroyed if owners fail to come forward within the stipulated period.
Nairobi County Directs Traders to Claim Their Seized Alcohol Within 14 Days
The notice states that the seizures were made during crackdowns targeting the illegal sale, storage, and distribution of alcoholic drinks by traders operating without valid licences and those found violating county laws.
“Notice is given to the general public and to all persons who may have any interest in the alcoholic drinks and related exhibits that were seized by the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and licensing Board between 29th November, 2021 and 8th December, 2025 as per the published schedule on www.nairobi.go.ke for offences relating to the sale, storage and distribution of alcoholic drinks without valid licenses and in contravention of the applicable County laws,” read the notice in part.
Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration directed affected traders to appear before the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Directorate to prove ownership of the seized products.
Also Read: Govt Reveals Top Counties Hit by Illicit Alcohol in Kenya
The county also ordered the traders to settle all outstanding licensing fees, penalties, and storage charges before reclaiming the alcoholic beverages.
“Take notice that unless the owners or any persons with lawful interest in the exhibits appear before the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Directorate and provide satisfactory proof of ownership and settle all outstanding licensing fees, penalties and storage charges within fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice, the Nairobi City County Government shall proceed to dispose of the said exhibits by way of destruction,” part of the notice read.
The move is part of renewed efforts by the Sakaja administration to tighten regulation of the alcohol business in Nairobi amid concerns over the rise of unlicensed liquor outlets and illegal alcohol distribution networks.
The county government has, in recent years, intensified operations against bars, wines and spirits shops, and distributors accused of operating without licences or violating operating regulations.
Also Read: Imara Daima Residents Sue Sakaja Over Decade-Long Environmental Violations
Nairobi County Inducts New Liquor Licensing Board in Crackdown on Illegal Alcohol Trade
The latest directive comes days after the Nairobi City County Government commenced the induction of its new Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board at the Kenya School of Government, which the Sakaja administration described as a renewed push to restore order, strengthen coordination, and enforce strict compliance within the liquor licensing sector.
The board brings together senior officers from the Regional Commissioner’s office, Officers Commanding Police Divisions (OCPDs) from the National Police Service Nairobi Region, the Chief Officer for Public Health, and officials from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
Speaking during the induction, Chief Officer for Business and Hustler Opportunities Lydia Mathia said the county was keen on ensuring the board begins its work on the right footing.
“As they often say, things don’t go wrong—they start wrong. We want to start right. This induction is designed to ensure that all members clearly understand their roles, the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, and how to work in harmony with the secretariat and enforcement agencies,” said Mathia.
