Fighting Illicit Alcohol Trade: MELTA Engages in Key Stakeholder Workshop at Utalii Hotel

The fight against illicit alcohol trade in Kenya reached a significant milestone this week as key industry players, government agencies, and regulatory bodies gathered for the ABAK Stakeholders Sensitization Workshop on Illicit Alcohol Trade.

Held at the Utalii Hotel in Nairobi, this high-level, two-day workshop serves as a strategic platform to address the growing challenges posed by illicit alcohol and to map out actionable solutions for a safer, fully compliant sector.

Day 1: Laying the Groundwork & Analyzing the Scope

Day 1 of the workshop kicked off on July 21st, focusing on the magnitude and impact of the illicit alcohol trade across the country. The multi-sectoral meeting brought together a comprehensive group of enforcement and regulatory authorities alongside industry associations, including:

National & County Governments
National Police Service
Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA)
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA)
Government Chemist
Asset Recovery Agency (ARA)
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)
The Judiciary
BAHLITA, PERAK, and MELTA

Participants received detailed presentations outlining the current landscape of illicit alcohol in Kenya, followed by open feedback sessions where stakeholders shared ground-level insights, enforcement challenges, and systemic gaps.

Day 2: Strengthening Compliance & Protecting Industry Interests

With discussions continuing today, Day 2 focuses on practical strategies to enforce regulatory compliance, seal loop-holes, and protect consumers and legitimate businesses alike.

The Micro and Small Enterprise Liquor Traders Association (MELTA) remains actively engaged in these deliberations. As the voice of liquor retailers and traders across the country, MELTA is committed to ensuring that our members’ interests are represented as new compliance frameworks and enforcement strategies are developed.

Moving Forward Together

Combatting illicit alcohol trade requires strong collaboration between the private sector, law enforcement, and regulatory authorities. MELTA will continue to champion fair, transparent, and supportive business practices while standing firm against illicit trade that harms both public health and legitimate enterprises.