Government steps up efforts to combat illicit cigarettes and ethanol products
Government steps up efforts to combat illicit cigarettes and ethanol products
Government steps up efforts to combat illicit cigarettes and ethanol products
Government steps up efforts to combat illicit cigarettes and ethanol products
Government steps up efforts to combat illicit cigarettes and ethanol products
Government steps up efforts to combat illicit cigarettes and ethanol products

Government steps up efforts to combat illicit cigarettes and ethanol products

MoH News / Mon, 07/27/2026 - 11:05

Kiambu ,2026 The Government  stepped up efforts to combat illicit trade and protect public health through a multi agency inspection of confiscated cigarettes and ethanol products at the Kenya Revenue Authority warehouse in Ngoigwa, Thika.

Led by the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, the inspection verified the seized consignments, oversaw the collection of samples for laboratory analysis and safeguarded the integrity of the chain of custody as investigations continue.

The products were confiscated during a coordinated operation in Makongeni, Thika West Sub County, where authorities seized 66 drums of ethanol and 17,640 packets of cigarettes concealed beneath hides and skins. Seven suspects were arrested and investigations are ongoing.

The PS noted that illicit tobacco products and unregulated ethanol pose serious public health risks, deprive the Government of much needed revenue and fuel organized criminal networks. She emphasized that Kenya will not be used as a transit route or dumping ground for illicit goods, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to enforcing the Tobacco Control Act, 2007, strengthening surveillance, intelligence sharing and multi agency enforcement.

She also called for the expeditious conclusion of investigations, laboratory analysis and the prosecution of all those found culpable in accordance with the law.