EABL tightens supply chains as illicit trade grows
East African Breweries Limited (EABL) is implementing stricter supply chain controls to combat a surge in illicit alcohol trade in Kenya. The illegal market, which now accounts for 60 percent of alcohol volume, is causing significant tax revenue losses.
Why it matters
The growth of the illicit alcohol market poses both a public health risk and a major economic challenge for government tax collection and legitimate businesses.
Kenya's alcohol industry is facing pressure from a growing illicit market that is taking a large share of alcohol sales and eroding legitimate business. Illicit alcohol accounted for 60 per cent of alcohol consumed in Kenya by volume in 2024, according to a 2025 Euromonitor International study commissioned by the Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya and cited by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority. The study found illicit alcohol volumes grew 27 per cent between 2022 and 2024, with the illegal market estimated at Sh203 billion and linked to about Sh120 billion in lost government revenue in 2024. The growth has put pressure on legitimate manufacturers and regulators to strengthen supply chains and prevent counterfeit, unregulated and untaxed products from reaching consumers. East African Breweries Limited (EABL) has responded by publishing a list of authorised distributors and partners serving different regions of the country.
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