The authorities in Western Kenya have uncovered a network of ethanol smuggling and counterfeit alcohol production.
Officials involved in the crackdown on the illegal trade reveal that ethanol is smuggled into Kenya from Uganda via the Lwakhakha border.
The smuggled ethanol is often transported to unlicensed distilleries, where it is used to produce second-generation alcohol-cheap counterfeit drinks labelled with fake excise stamps.
These illicit products not only create unfair competition for legitimate businesses but also deprive the government of crucial revenue. "The smuggling of ethanol disrupts market dynamics, giving unscrupulous traders an unfair advantage over legitimate businesses," said a senior official from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). "This undermines both economic stability and public health, as counterfeit alcohol poses serious risks to consumers," he added.
