The Influence of Inter-Agency Information-Sharing Frameworks in Managing Illicit Brew in Kiambu County, Kenya

Illicit brew continues to pose significant security, health, social, and economic risk globally, Kenya included. In response, the government has mobilized various agencies to manage the vice. However, collaboration among the agencies involved remains suboptimal. Notably, the primary challenge lies in the lack of seamless collaboration thus impeding a swift and effective response to the security threat posed by these second-generation alcoholic drinks. The study therefore sought to evaluate the influence of inter-agency information-sharing frameworks in managing illicit brew in Kiambu County. Kenya. Descriptive survey design was employed. Target population for this study comprised of the National Government Administration officers (Chiefs and County Commissioners), police officers, NACADA officers, Chiefs, health officers, Liquor board and sub-county committee representatives, religious leaders, village elders, and community members. The study sample was selected using stratified, cluster, and purposive sampling procedures. Data was collected using both semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides. Questionnaires were administered using drop and approach while face-to-face discussions with the key informants were used for interviews. Prior to collecting field data, a pilot study was conducted in Nairobi County. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics generated using SPSS v24. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Findings from objective one indicated that information-sharing mechanism through shared inter-agency databases for the exchange of tactical, operational, and strategic intelligence among the agencies enhanced Inter-Agency collaboration in combating illicit brew. In the end, this study recommended the development and implementation of a standardized inter-agency information-sharing protocol.