Prevalence and Production Dynamics of Illicit Alcohol Market
Keywords:
Illicit alcohol outlet, prevalence, market dynamics, dual-embeddedness, Embakasi East, Nairobi.Abstract
This study examines the prevalence and structural production dynamics of illicit alcohol outlets in Nairobi’s informal settlements, with a focus on Embakasi East. Using an outlet-level survey and structured observational checklist, data were collected on 393 alcohol-selling premises, of which 118 (30%) processed illicit alcohol. These were categorised into homemade brews, counterfeit packaged alcohol, and decontaminated industrial ethanol products. A two-tier analysis determined that the majority of illicit outlets engaged in self-production, while a smaller proportion relied on external supply chains. The findings reveal a dual-embeddedness structure, where illicit outlets function as both producers and distributors within a parallel market economy. This challenges assumptions that illicit supply is primarily external and underscores the embedded social and economic role of small-scale production.
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