How Kenya is losing illicit brews trade war at the borders

Kenya has made great strides in alcohol policy development, restricting the consumption, manufacturing, and sale of illicit liquors and traditionally fermented brews. 

But the latest measures imposed in 2023 by increasing excise taxes on alcoholic products have led to an unintended consequence – they have opened the door to an influx of illicit alcohol through Kenya’s porous borders. 

Brewing pots for traditional liquor within compounds at Sofia village, Uganda. May 6, 2025.
[Sharon Wanga, Standard]