Regional Collaboration to Deter Illegitimate Shipments of Counterfeit and Illicit Goods in the Northern Corridor of the Great Lakes Region
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Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding Between the Anti Counterfeit Authority of Kenya and Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA) in Mombasa.
Thursday, May 16th 2023, Mombasa, Kenya.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority of Kenya (ACA) and Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen strategic collaboration between the two parties to deter illegitimate shipments of counterfeit and illicit goods in the region.
Speaking at the Press Conference, ACA’s Chairman of the Board of Directors Hon. Josephat Kabeabea said “the MoU represents a statement of mutual intentions between our two institutions focusing on developing and strengthening a robust IP system in the region.”
Hon Kabeabea added that the ACA is mandated by law to partner with national and international institutions on matters dealing with counterfeiting. “We look forward to being strategic partners and leading advocates on legislative and regulatory issues addressing Intellectual Property (IP) infringement not in in Kenya but in the region.” He added.
The Executive Secretary, Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority Mr. Justus Omae, welcomed the initiative between the two institutions saying “Combating counterfeits in the region and along the Northern Corridor requires collaborative leadership and action.”
Mr. Omae noted that “Collaborative leadership would mean that individual ambitions of every mandate-holder or stakeholder in the IP value chain recognizes common risks, limitations and implications and seeks to work together to mitigate collective threats, increase opportunities and share best practices.”
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority Executive Director Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge said the implementation of the MOU will be a big challenge if regional laws against counterfeit and illicit trade are not harmonized. across the region. “We are positive to implement the MOU albeit some teething challenges of different regional laws on illicit trade some of which are occasioned by some of externalities such as open borders and trade laws”
The signing comes amidst increased reported cases of cross-border illicit trade where organized criminals use legal shipments and corridor transport infrastructure to move illicit cargo from the countries of origin or transit to the countries of destination through the region. #Ends
