A past illicit alcohol crackdown./FILEA nationwide crackdown on illicit drugs and alcohol has netted more than 2.8 million litres of illegal brews and led to the arrest of 973 suspects since the start of the year, as the government steps up efforts to dismantle criminal networks behind the trade.
According to data from the multi-agency team spearheading the operation, the haul includes 2,846,590 litres of illicit alcohol seized across the country since the campaign was launched in December 2025.
The operation was initiated following a directive by President William Ruto, who declared drug and substance abuse a “National Development and Security Emergency.”
The crackdown, led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and other security agencies, has also resulted in the seizure of 21,280 litres of ethanol and significant quantities of narcotics.
These include 4,347 kilograms of cannabis, 7.7 kilograms of cocaine, 6.4 kilograms of ketamine, and 1.1 kilograms of methamphetamine.
The Rift Valley region recorded the highest volumes of seized illicit alcohol, with more than 870,000 litres recovered, mainly bhangra and kangara. Counties most affected include West Pokot, Nandi, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Samburu, Narok, and Turkana.
In Nyanza, more than 690,000 litres of illegal alcohol were seized across all counties in the region, while Western region accounted for about 600,000 litres recovered in Kakamega, Busia, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, and Vihiga.
Nairobi recorded 309,408 litres of counterfeit alcohol, while the Eastern region saw over 200,000 litres seized in counties including Meru, Machakos, Kitui, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Isiolo, Marsabit, Tana River, and Makueni.
Central and Coast regions each recorded more than 60,000 litres of seized illicit alcohol, while the Northeastern counties of Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera accounted for about 500 litres.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government will intensify the campaign, especially during the school holidays, to consolidate gains made so far.
“We are moving beyond prosecution to seizing assets and freezing accounts of those found culpable,” Murkomen warned.
He added that the multi-agency team is targeting all players in the illegal trade, including manufacturers, distributors, and sellers, in a bid to break the entire chain of supply.
The CS also issued a stern warning to public officials accused of colluding with drug networks, saying disciplinary action will be taken against them.
“We shall not relent until we have completely dismantled all drug and illicit alcohol cartels stealing the future of our children,” he said.
The operation brings together several agencies, including the National Police Service, National Intelligence Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Financial Reporting Centre, Anti-Counterfeit Authority, and the Asset Recovery Agency.
Authorities say the coordinated effort is aimed at tightening enforcement, improving intelligence sharing, and ensuring those involved in the illegal trade are held accountable as the government pushes to curb the growing menace of drug and substance abuse.
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