Gov't Official Calls for Legalization of Chang'aa

A sub-chief in Siaya County has called for the legalization of the local brew, chang'aa.

Speaking directly to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen during his Jukwaa la Usalamu tour of the county, the local leader explained that despite extensive crackdowns, illicit alcohol consumption remains high across Kenya.

The sub-chief, who identified himself as a student at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University pursuing policy and development studies, presented statistics showing that 60% of alcohol consumed in Kenya is still illicit, with the Nyanza region leading at 69%.

"Despite all the efforts that we've put in fighting this vice, why are we not still, the statistics are still showing negative?" the local leader questioned the Cabinet Secretary.

Drawing from historical context, he noted that chang'aa was originally categorized as a local brew alongside busaa, which is now regulated by county governments and operates legally through licensed clubs.

"The illicit thing is only that it is not regulated," he argued, comparing chang'aa favorably to spirits imported from Uganda, which he described as ‘second generation brews’ that are more lethal than chang'aa.

The sub-chief revealed that he and seven colleagues from the university have been developing a policy document to present alternative approaches to dealing with chang'aa beyond the current penal system of court arraignments.

His proposal centers on regulated distillation and packaging, envisioning chang'aa from Siaya that can be sold under caps, similar to how Keroche Breweries operates. He emphasized that such regulation could create employment opportunities while maintaining quality control.

"I'm not a partaker of chang'aa. I'm presenting my views," he clarified, positioning his argument as an academic policy recommendation rather than personal advocacy.

The call for legalization comes amid an intensified government crackdown on illicit alcohol across the country. Recent operations by the National Police Service have yielded significant arrests and seizures in multiple counties.

On September 17, 2025, police officers from Nyahururu Police Station arrested one suspect in possession of 15 liters of chang'aa in Laikipia County, following a tip-off from members of the public.

Just a day earlier, on September 16, a multi-agency security team conducted successful operations in Migori County, arresting two suspects found with two liters of chang'aa, 89 rolls, and 17 brooms of bhang in the Osaka and Pantee Pieri areas of Suna West.

The same day saw another operation in Meru County, where a multi-agency team from Mulika Police Station, working with National Government Administration Officers, targeted illicit brews, narcotic drugs, and illegal gambling within Kianjai-thia village. The operation resulted in the arrest of one suspect found with 260 liters of muratina and apparatus used in manufacturing illicit alcohol.

Earlier, on September 14, officers from Hindi Police Station in Lamu Central Sub-County raided a site in the Mbuzi Wengi area, confiscating 90 liters of illicit brew locally known as mukoma and arresting four individuals who are currently in custody awaiting court proceedings.

The National Police Service has consistently emphasized its commitment to sustaining the fight against illicit brews, describing them as posing a serious threat to public health and safety.