UK Warns Citizens Over Too Much Poisonous Alcohol In Kenya

By Robai Ludenyi

The United Kingdom has added Kenya to its list of countries where travelers should be careful when consuming alcoholic drinks due to growing cases of methanol poisoning linked to fake or tainted alcohol. The alert was issued by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, which said that incidents involving methanol poisoning have been reported among travelers visiting several destinations, including Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and Russia.

Methanol, a chemical commonly used in making industrial products such as antifreeze and paint thinner, is sometimes illegally mixed into alcoholic beverages to reduce production costs. Unlike ethanol, which is the alcohol found in normal drinks, methanol is made through industrial processes and is extremely poisonous. It has no smell or taste, making it almost impossible to detect. Even a small amount, about two tablespoons, can cause blindness or death within two days of consumption. Early signs of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion. In more severe cases, victims may experience blurred vision, breathing problems, or even die.

In response to the advisory, the Kenya Bureau of Standards moved to reassure both locals and visitors, stating that all methanol in the country is treated with a bitter chemical known as denatonium benzoate, which makes it impossible to mistake for drinking alcohol. The agency said this step ensures that any methanol circulating in Kenya cannot be consumed by accident.

A recent industry report released in May 2024 by London-based market research firm Euromonitor revealed that more than half of all alcohol sold in Kenya is illicit. The study found that about 60 percent of alcohol sales come from unregulated products, largely due to high taxes on legal drinks, low prices of illegal brews, and weak enforcement of alcohol laws at the county level.

The report warns that unless strict measures are taken, the market for counterfeit alcohol will continue to grow, posing serious risks to public health and the tourism sector, which is one of Kenya’s key sources of foreign income.

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The author is Robai Ludenyi. Journalist and Media Innovator