Murang'a: A multi-agency operation led by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officers, police, and members of the county security team successfully raided an alcoholic beverage manufacturing plant in Murang'a South for allegedly operating without all the required licenses. The raid led by the Chief Manager of KRA's enforcement division, Michael Gichuki, exposed extensive tax evasion and multiple regulatory breaches.
According to Kenya News Agency, the officers found that the operator had failed to acquire the necessary operating license from the KRA, and the products being manufactured lacked the required excise stamps. "The excise license was missing, and the products had no KRA excise stamps, indicating clear non-compliance," said Gichuki.
An estimated 600,000 litres of assorted alcoholic brands were seized during the operation, translating to a tax revenue loss of approximately Sh600,000. The raid, conducted under a coordinated multi-agency approach, involved thorough documentation and preliminary analysis of the seized goods. "We intend to transfer the finished product to our warehouses for safekeeping as we proceed with in-depth tax investigations," Gichuki stated.
He continued, "In the spirit of trade facilitation, we will also guide the business owner on the proper procedures to regularise operations once investigations are concluded." To combat the growing threat of counterfeit alcohol in the market, Gichuki noted that KRA is employing advanced technology tools such as track-and-trace systems to verify product authenticity. Additionally, he remarked that the public can use the 'Soma Label' mobile platform to scan codes on alcoholic beverages and confirm their legality.
"The crackdown is part of our broader effort to ensure fair competition in the alcohol industry and protect public health," said Gichuki, adding, "Counterfeit and unregulated alcoholic drinks put consumers at risk and undermine legitimate businesses." Murang'a South Sub-County Police Commander Charity Karimi reiterated the government's commitment to eliminating the illegal alcohol trade. "We are determined to achieve zero tolerance for illicit alcohol by identifying and prosecuting those responsible. Perpetrators will face the full weight of the law, including the maximum applicable fines," she stated.
However, the proprietor of the plant, who sought anonymity, strongly disputed the illegality of the operation, stating that the production was still undergoing the required legal and regulatory approval process. He emphasised that the alcohol had not been introduced into the market and was meant to be held securely until all approvals were finalised. "The product is not yet on the market; it is still under due legal process. KRA was, in fact, the final step in this compliance journey," said the proprietor. "My intention is not to supply unlicensed beverages but to comply fully with the law."
Despite this, the KRA proceeded with the enforcement action, even as the compliance process was reportedly nearing completion. Gichuki maintained that the raid was justified based on the absence of visible excise documentation and emphasised KRA's ongoing efforts to ensure industry compliance. This operation highlights the government's intensified crackdown on illegal alcohol production and distribution. KRA, together with other enforcement agencies, has vowed to continue targeting unlicensed plants and illegal supply chains across the country.