A pilot study was performed in the rural site of Kibwezi and the urban site of Kangemi. The study included the application of a diary method to gather patterns, types, and amount of noncommercial alcohol consumed by the sample population; interviews with producers and sellers to analyze the types of alcohol being produced, sold, and distributed; interviews with stakeholders (government administrators, religious leaders, and law enforcers) to assess their attitudes toward the production, distribution, and consumption of noncommercial alcohol; and chemical analysis of samples of noncommercial alcohol beverages purchased from producers and distributers/sellers.

The study found that the types of alcohol beverages consumed were mainly noncommercial, including changaa, muratina (karubu), busaa, and miti ni dawa. In the rural site the consumption of muratina (karubu) is most common, followed by changaa, busaa, and then miti ni dawa. In the urban site busaa and changaa are more common, followed by muratina and miti ni dawa. According to the key informants interviewed, the main reason for consumption of noncommercial alcohol is price. Commercial alcohols are too expensive for the majority of consumers. The mode of production and the places where these noncommercial beverages are consumed are perceived as not hygienic, especially in the urban site.
 

For more information on the study and its findings, please click here.