The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has seized more than 39,580 litres of illicit brew and over 5,555 bottles of suspected counterfeit alcohol in a nationwide crackdown that resulted in 36 arrests and apprehensions.

ACA Board Chairperson Nelson Ributhi Gaichuhie said multi-agency operations conducted in Nairobi between August 20 and September 3, 2026, targeted illegal alcohol trade and counterfeit products.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Gaichuhie said Dagoretti North recorded the largest seizure of illicit brew, with approximately 27,330 litres recovered. More than 5,000 bottles of suspected counterfeit alcohol were seized in Kayole, while 868 assorted alcoholic beverages were recovered in Eastleigh.

Gaichuhie said that the Authority has also conducted enforcement operations against suspected counterfeit alcoholic products in Makindu, Makueni County, although details of the quantities seized and the value of the products were not immediately confirmed.

In a separate operation in Matungu, Kakamega County, the ACA seized 323 bags of suspected illegally repackaged fertiliser valued at more than Sh1.6 million.

Gaichuhie said that two loaded lorries and industrial packaging equipment were also impounded, while two drivers were arrested.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the fertiliser may have been diverted from a government subsidy programme and repackaged in counterfeit branded bags for sale at prevailing commercial prices.

The Chairman said they are stepping up surveillance and enforcement against counterfeit tobacco and nicotine products, including electronic cigarettes, vapes, refill liquids, rolling papers and filters.

He added that ACA is also preparing to intensify the fight against pirated textbooks, revision materials, counterfeit calculators and mathematical sets as candidates sit national examinations.

Gaichuhie warned that pirated educational materials could contain errors, omissions and outdated information, potentially undermining learning and examination preparedness.

Counterfeit mathematical equipment, he added, could fail to meet required accuracy standards.

He urged consumers to buy goods from licensed and reputable outlets and verify product labels, seals, excise stamps and standardization marks through official channels.

Consumers were also encouraged to report suspected counterfeit products to ACA regional offices, as the agency strengthens collaboration with other government institutions and rights holders.

Gaichuhie said the ongoing operations were aimed at dismantling illegal supply networks, protecting consumers from potentially harmful products and safeguarding legitimate businesses from unfair competition.

By Emmanuel Mwendwa