ACA Destroys Goods Worth 27M KES in Athi River
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The Anti-Counterfeit Authority in a series of events preceding the commemoration of this year’s World Anti-Counterfeit Day today destroyed counterfeit goods with Kes 27m at Athi River. The event was attended by the multi-agency enforcement team on counterfeit and illicit trade.
The counterfeit goods comprised of many assorted items ranging from fast moving consumer goods like clothing, footwear, alcohol, electrical goods and apparel among others which were replicas of popular local and international brand.
According to the Elema Halake, Executive Director, Anti-Counterfeit Authority, this makes a critical step in the continuous effort of fighting counterfeit products in the country. This underscores our serious commitment to rid the local markets off fake brands that are not fit for human consumption.
“This is a significant milestone for the Authority. Through a very thorough exercise that took place over a long period of time, we were able to work closely with other enforcement teams and nab these goods. Counterfeit products are not fit for human consumption. Today’s initiative goes a long way to contribute to the National Action Plan against counterfeiting and illicit trade in the country,” noted Elema Halake, Executive Director, Anti-Counterfeit Authority.
“This initiative also marks the Authority's beginning of celebrating the World Anti-Counterfeit Day that the world celebrates during the first week of June every year,” concluded Mr. Halake.
On her part, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and enterprise development Ms. Betty Maina, noted: As a Government we are on a daily basis fighting the war on illicit trade and counterfeit products as it has a big hit in genuine economic activity, contributes to a reduced essential tax revenue, impacts on foreign direct investment prospects and contributes to serious health risks.
The event was also attended by the Chair of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority Mrs. Flora Mutahi, the Coordinator of the Multi-Agency enforcement teams against Illicit Trade Mr. Wanyama Musiambo among other dignitaries.
Mrs Mutahi cautioned consumers on emerging trend of selling counterfeits during the COVID 19 pandemic period saying 'It’s disturbing to announce that in the last 3 months, our Inspectors have netted COVID 19 pandemic consumer related goods worth KSH 13 million including facemasks, testing kits and sanitizers. This is immoral, shameful and unacceptable”.