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Kipchumba Murkomen: Illicit alcohol prevalent in Western Kenya
12th January, 2026 11:45 PM
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised alarm over the widespread prevalence of illicit alcohol in Western Kenya, attributing the problem largely to porous and poorly monitored border points.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Monday, January 12, 2026, Murkomen said statistics from security agencies show that Western Kenya bears the heaviest burden of illicit alcohol consumption in the country.
According to the CS, Kakamega County tops the list, followed closely by Trans Nzoia and Kisumu, with other western counties also ranking high in prevalence.
“Illicit alcohol is extremely prevalent in the western part of the country. Kakamega is number one, followed by Trans Nzoia, Kisumu, and several other counties in the region. Nairobi actually comes in at number five,” Murkomen stated.
He explained that the main driver of the problem is the existence of numerous unmanned and porous border points, which allow illegal brews and unregulated alcohol to flow freely into the country.
Murkomen noted that these entry points are often exploited by smugglers, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to curb the trade effectively.
To address the challenge, the CS said the government is rolling out a multi-pronged strategy aimed at tightening border surveillance and disrupting the supply chains of illicit alcohol.
A key part of the plan includes establishing additional multi-agency vehicle checkpoints in hotspot areas.
“These checkpoints will be properly equipped with modern tools, including drones, to help monitor and secure areas that have previously been difficult to police,” he said.
Murkomen revealed that some of the new checkpoints will be set up in border regions known for smuggling, citing West Pokot County as a priority area.
“You will see us soon in places like Konyao in West Pokot and its environs, where new checkpoints will be established to ensure that porous borders are dealt with decisively,” he added.
