Security agencies have recovered 493,073 litres of illicit alcoholic brews in Rift Valley through enforcement operations carried out between January 2024 and May 2026, according to figures presented to Parliament.
Deputy Inspector General (IG) of Police Eliud Lagat told the National Assembly Public Petitions Committee on Thursday that the recoveries were spread across three reporting periods, with 254,272 litres seized in 2024, 189,293 litres in 2025, and 49,508 litres in the first five months of 2026.
The operations, he said, have focused on disrupting supply chains linked to illegal alcohol production and distribution networks operating within the region.
“The Rift Valley is expansive and close to the borders where this smuggling happens. But we are happy there is a decline in numbers over the last two years,” Lagat told MPs, according to The Standard.
He noted that enforcement activity has remained continuous over the period, even as annual recovery volumes fluctuated. While presenting the figures, the Deputy IG, however, stressed that illicit alcohol remains a persistent challenge requiring continued intervention.
The data was tabled during consideration of a public petition on the production, distribution and consumption of illegal alcoholic drinks.
Committee members were also informed that similar enforcement operations have been recorded in other parts of the country, including Western Kenya, where 134,463 litres were seized, and Nyanza, where 160,389 litres were recovered over the same period.
Lagat told MPs that the National Police Service (NPS) is seeking a coordinated multi-agency framework involving regulators, investigators and county governments to strengthen enforcement.
“The NPS firmly holds that no single agency can effectively address this challenge. A coordinated approach is necessary,” Lagat said.
He added that enforcement requires cooperation across multiple institutions to disrupt production, transport and distribution networks.
MPs similarly raised concerns over corruption risks within enforcement agencies, warning that compromised officers could undermine ongoing operations.
In response, Lagat said internal accountability systems are being reinforced in collaboration with anti-corruption bodies to address any officers implicated in facilitating the illegal trade.
“We are working with relevant agencies to ensure accountability where officers are involved,” he said.
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