NAIROBI, Kenya, August 29 – The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has seized illicit alcoholic beverages valued at more than Sh2.4 million during a crackdown in Makuyu, Murang’a County.
The enforcement operation, conducted after a public tip-off, targeted a facility illegally operating inside Wellcreek Restaurant along the Nairobi–Embu Road.
KRA officers discovered a fully equipped plant manufacturing and packaging alcoholic drinks without the mandatory excise license. None of the products carried excise stamps, in violation of the Excise Duty Act.
A total of 6,134 litres of alcohol was confiscated, including 1,240 litres of finished products. The haul comprised branded and unbranded cocktails such as Ukoo, Mojito Cocktail, Pinacolada, Wicked Tea, Martini Cocktail, Mixed Flavor Cocktail, and Long Island Cocktail. Officers also intercepted about 2,000 litres of unpackaged compounded liquor.
The facility was additionally found producing traditional drinks, including Muratina, packaged in both 500ml metallic cans and 750ml glass bottles.
KRA estimates the government would have lost approximately Sh600,000 in excise revenue had the products reached the market. The seized goods and raw materials were transferred to KRA warehouses for further processing and investigations.
The tax authority reiterated its commitment to curbing illicit trade, which it says deprives the government of critical revenue, threatens legitimate businesses, and poses health risks to consumers. KRA urged the public to continue reporting suspicious activities through official channels, including its iWhistle platform.
