Avert fake alcohol risk
The ACA data shows that 19 per cent of the alcohol sold in the country is counterfeit.
The surge in production and distribution of counterfeit alcohol is proving deadly to unsuspecting consumers across Kenya. As the festive season approaches, authorities warn that counterfeit alcohol poses a grave health risk due to its often lethal composition. In recent months, anti-counterfeit authorities, including the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), the National Authority for Campaign Against Drug Abuse (Nacada), and security agencies, have intensified operations to combat the illicit trade.
In Eldoret, detectives have arrested a man suspected of being the mastermind behind one such syndicate. The operation led to the seizure of 30 cartons of suspected counterfeit drinks, bearing labels of well-known alcoholic brands. These bottles could have fetched Sh7.6 million on the open market, highlighting the lucrative nature of the criminal enterprise.
According to ACA data, 19 percent of alcohol sold in Kenya is counterfeit. The agency has been investigating 124 cases over the past three years, with 63 cases originating from counties such as Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang'a, and Nyeri. Nairobi alone has reported 29 cases, while Eldoret has seen 11. The reach of these operations extends to ordinary rental homes, some in upscale neighborhoods, which have been converted into clandestine production and distribution sites.
The counterfeit alcohol is typically produced by acquiring empty bottles of popular brands, refilling them with cheap, unregulated industrial ethanol and water. Artificial flavorings are often added, resulting in a product that bypasses strict laboratory and manufacturing standards. This lax oversight allows the addition of deadly chemical substitutes, with industrial methanol being a common choice due to its low cost. Even small quantities of methanol can lead to death, permanent blindness, or organ failure.
To combat this growing problem, Nacada has issued a warning regarding the expanding criminal network, which is causing acute poisoning that can lead to organ failure. The public is urged to remain vigilant and only purchase alcoholic beverages from reputable supermarkets, verified distributors, or fully licensed establishments. The government also urges voters to focus on development rather than supporting candidates who may exploit such issues for political gain.
Written by urgent.news from Nation Africa's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
