Launch comes after the rollout of the National Action Plan Against Illicit trade.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has launched a nationwide series of engagement with the County Security Committees in a bid to fight trade in counterfeits and illicit trade across the country.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Head of Public Service, Mr. Wanyama Musiambo said “Fighting illicit economy requires a range of solutions from partnerships, technology to changes in public policy. We are engaging county securities committees because they have grassroot representation to enforce the law and create public awareness to our consumers”. These partnerships are part of the deliverables of the National Action Plan for combating Illicit Trade in Kenya that was launched in June this year. The Action Plan lays down the levels of engagement and steps that be taken to reduce the illicit trade at the county level.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority Mr. Elema Halake said that “Counterfeit trade undermines legitimate trade and sustainable development of the economy. It causes significant financial losses for manufacturers, legitimate businesses”.

According to the International Trademark Association figures for 2017; Counterfeit trade was valued at between US$ 923 billion and US$ 1.13 trillion in 2013 and was estimated to reach US$ 1.90-2.81T by 2022. In the EAC region, the vice is estimated by The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) at US$ 500 million in lost taxes in 2008. Kenya Association of Manufacturers estimates manufacturers net loss from counterfeit products amount to approximately $368 million (Sh37.9 billion).

Through increased partnership under the Multi-Agency enforcement team, Mr. Wanyama said they had seized goods with KSH 8.5 B in the last one and a half years. Out of these we have destroyed goods worth approximately KSH 3.0 Billion.

Tom M, Muteti.
Chief Officer- Public Communication
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