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Here are the places you are likely to get counterfeit alcohol in Nakuru, according to KRA

Drums of ethanol that were nabbed by KRA in Mai Mahiu on November 21, 2023.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has released a report listing areas in Nakuru that have been put on the spot due to counterfeit alcoholic beverages repeatedly been seized there.

According to the report, several counterfeit brands of alcoholic beverages, ethanol and cigarettes have been seized by the authority this year in Nakuru.

These areas include Subukia, Mai Mahui, Pipeline, Menegai, Nakuru Town, KFA, Section 58, Free Area, Lanet, Shabab, Kaptembwo, Molo, Naivasha and Njoro.

According to the report, most of the illicit products caught that include alcoholic beverages included vodka ranging from Moon Ice, Boss, Star, Royal Springs, Spike, Kibao, Spark, Best and Chrome Gin among others.

The report indicated that millions of taxpayers' money had been lost to the illicit trade, in which traders sought to evade tax.

Apart from alcohol, counterfeit king size super match cigarettes were also seized in several accounts in Mai Mahiu, Naivasha, Kiamaina, Kabazi, Molo, Bondeni, Njoro, Solai and Barnabas.

Acting South Rift Regional Coordinator Jonah Ogora has claimed that Kenyans must stop bringing goods into the country through malicious means as they end up losing a lot when they are arrested.

Mr Ogora dismissed the issue of harsh economic times as a reason for the increase in counterfeit products flooding the market. He stressed the need for transparency and accountability from individuals running businesses to avoid the country losing out on taxes.

On the other hand, Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara has maintained that they will not relent in the fight against counterfeit products and illegal trade in the county.

"As an inter-agency team comprising security systems, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) officials and those from KRA, operations will continue to weed out individuals involved in illegal trade in the county," said Mr Kibaara.

Nakuru has been in the news due to some businesses being caaught selling fake products, with some areas appearing to be the most vulnerable.