ABAK urges tighter border controls to protect consumers from counterfeit alcohol

The Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK) has called for stricter controls at borders to shield customers from fake alcohol and safeguard their well-being. Kui Kinyanjui, the chairperson of ABAK, highlighted the dangers that counterfeit alcohol poses to consumers and legitimate businesses. She emphasized the need for coordinated actions to dismantle illegal trade networks.

Kinyanjui assured Kenyan consumers that they have the right to expect genuine, safe, and legitimately sourced products. The government, she urged, should bolster market surveillance, border controls, and product traceability to stop counterfeit and non-compliant alcoholic beverages from reaching consumers. Kinyanjui stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration among regulators, enforcement agencies, industry stakeholders, and retailers to strengthen market surveillance, improve traceability, and protect consumers from illegal and non-compliant products.

She also recommended that consumers buy alcohol only from authorized distributors, licensed retailers, and reputable outlets. The association's call for tougher measures follows recent online discussions and consumer complaints about the authenticity and quality of alcoholic beverages, including reports of adverse health effects following consumption.