Kenyans urged to buy alcohol from authorised outlets
The Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya said purchasing alcohol through legitimate outlets would reduce the risk of consumers buying products of unknown origin or those that have been improperly handled.
Nairobi, Kenya – The Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK) has called upon Kenyans to purchase alcoholic beverages exclusively from authorized distributors and licensed retailers due to worries about the distribution of illicit and counterfeit liquor. ABAK Chairperson Kui Kinyanjui stated that buying alcohol from legitimate outlets would minimize the risk of consumers acquiring products of uncertain origin or those that have been inadequately handled.
The association's caution arises from increasing consumer apprehensions regarding the authenticity and quality of certain alcoholic beverages in the market.
Kinyanjui emphasized the need for stricter enforcement and enhanced tracking of alcohol products to safeguard consumers and legitimate businesses, asserting, "Kenyan consumers deserve the assurance that the products they purchase are genuine, safe, and sourced through legitimate channels." She advocated for intensified efforts to dismantle illegal alcohol trade networks and hold those implicated accountable.
ABAK also expressed concern over the rising volume of alcoholic beverages entered into the country via parallel importation channels, noting that such products can be challenging to trace and verify. The association highlighted that products outside formal distribution networks might present difficulties in determining their origin, storage conditions, and authenticity.
ABAK called for enhanced collaboration between regulators, enforcement agencies, manufacturers, and retailers to bolster market surveillance and product traceability. Consumers were urged to consume alcohol responsibly, as excessive drinking can lead to adverse effects that could be mistaken for quality issues. Kinyanjui concluded by reiterating the association's commitment to working alongside government agencies and other stakeholders to fortify consumer protection and foster a well-regulated alcohol market.
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