Nairobi, 22 October 2026 — The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has announced intensified nationwide enforcement operations targeting counterfeit and illicit alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products, agricultural inputs, foodstuffs and school learning materials, amid growing concerns over consumer safety, food security and the impact of illicit trade on legitimate businesses.

Speaking during a press briefing at ACA Headquarters in Nairobi today, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Hon. Nelson Ributhi Gaichuhie, CBS, warned that counterfeit networks continue to exploit consumer demand and legitimate distribution channels, exposing Kenyans to unsafe products and undermining the country's economy.

“Counterfeit and illicit trade imposes a cost on our country that cannot be measured in money alone. It is borne by the farmer whose harvest fails because of counterfeit inputs, by the consumer exposed to dangerous alcohol, by the student relying on substandard learning materials and by families whose health is put at risk,” said Hon. Gaichuhie.

The announcement follows a series of enforcement operations across the country that have uncovered substantial quantities of suspected counterfeit and illicit products.

Between 20 August and 3 September 2026, a multi-agency Rapid Results Initiative conducted in high-risk areas of Nairobi resulted in 36 arrests and apprehensions, the seizure of more than 5,555 suspected counterfeit bottles and the recovery of approximately 39,580 litres of illicit brew. Dagoretti North accounted for approximately 27,330 litres of the recovered alcohol, while more than 5,000 bottles were seized in Kayole and 868 assorted alcoholic beverages in Eastleigh.

In a separate operation conducted on 15 September in Makindu, Makueni County, ACA officers working alongside the police seized 8,459 suspected counterfeit alcoholic products valued at approximately KSh 2.1 million. Additional operations in Nairobi, Nyeri and Eldoret brought the reported value of goods recovered in September to approximately KSh 3.74 million.

Beyond alcohol, the Authority is expanding its enforcement focus to counterfeit tobacco and nicotine products, including cigarettes bearing imitations of registered brands, forged excise stamps, electronic cigarettes, vapes and refill liquids. ACA will strengthen joint enforcement efforts with the Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Ministry of Health and intellectual property rights holders to address the growing threat posed by these products.

The crackdown also comes against the backdrop of recent investigations into the diversion and illegal repackaging of Government-subsidised fertiliser. During an operation in Matungu,