3 nabbed as NACADA raids Kawangware in operation against illicit brew
By Nancy Marende, September 7, 2025The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has seized 450 drums of illicit brew in a major raid targeting one of Nairobi’s largest brewing cartels in Congo, Kawangware.
In a statement on Sunday, September 7, 2025, NACADA revealed that its multi-agency strike force dismantled the cartel’s operations, destroying 50 active brewing drums, confiscating 300 bags of molasses, and taking 1,000 litres of chang’aa off the streets.
Furthermore, the Agency revealed that the crackdown is part of the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior under Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. Authorities say the move has disrupted a toxic supply chain that has been endangering lives across Nairobi.
“We’re sending a clear message: NACADA will not back down. We’re closing in on illicit brew networks, and we’re taking back our neighbourhoods,” the agency said in a statement after the raid.
This announcement comes a few days after the agency issued a directive to move all import and export licensing for alcoholic beverages and related products online.
The change, set to take effect on October 1, 2025, will be implemented through the National Electronic Single Window System (NESWS), managed by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade).
Also watch: NACADA moves alcohol licensing to digital platform to boost transparency
In a statement on Friday, August 29, 2025, NACADA said the move is part of a nationwide effort to simplify trade procedures, reduce manual delays, and strengthen regulatory oversight.
“This integration will centralise clearance of all alcoholic beverages under NACADA, automate workflows, and improve data integrity across government agencies,” said the NACADA Chief Executive Officer.
Under the new system, all licence applications, including master documents and consignment permits, will be processed digitally.
Payments will be made exclusively through the eCitizen platform, ensuring secure and efficient transactions.
Licenses issued before October 1, 2025, will remain valid and be uploaded into the NESWS system for continuity and automated consignment clearance.