Efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit and counterfeit alcoholic brews in Kenya came into focus today as the Anti-Counterfeit Authority - Kenya appeared before Parliament to contribute to discussions arising from a public petition on illegal alcoholic brews.

The Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority - Kenya , Robi M. King'a ,PhD, appeared before the National Assembly Public Petitions Committee at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi, in response to summons on Public Petition No. 2 of 2026 regarding the production, distribution and consumption of illegal alcoholic brews in the country.

He was accompanied by Dr. John Akoten, Director – Research, Policy and Quality Assurance Department (RePPAD), Henry Maina,OGW , Deputy Director – Research and Policy, and Jully Omollo, Ag. Deputy Director – Legal Services.

In his submission, Dr. King’a outlined the Authority’s role in tackling counterfeit alcohol, particularly where illegal brews involve the misuse of protected brands, falsified labels, and the refilling of genuine bottles with unsafe products, which poses significant risks to consumers.

He highlighted key enforcement gains, noting that in FY 2025/2026, Anti-Counterfeit Authority - Kenya seized counterfeit goods valued at over KES 563 million between the first and third quarters, with goods currently held in custody valued at approximately KES 1.78 billion.

On alcohol-specific enforcement, he reported that Q3 alcohol and beverage-related seizures stood at approximately KES 10 million, while targeted operations conducted between January and mid-April 2026 resulted in the seizure of counterfeit alcoholic products valued at approximately KES 4 million.

Despite these gains, the Executive Director noted that illicit alcohol remains a significant concern, accounting for approximately 59% of the market by volume and 21% by value.

He also apprised the Committee of key challenges affecting enforcement efforts, including porous borders, diversion of ethanol into illicit production, refilling of genuine bottles, and the growing use of online and social media platforms in the distribution of counterfeit products.

Dr. King’a reaffirmed ACA’s commitment to strengthening enforcement, enhancing collaboration with partner agencies, and supporting interventions aimed at protecting consumers, safeguarding legitimate businesses, and curbing the proliferation of counterfeit and illicit alcohol in Kenya.