Kenya and the European Union today reaffirmed their commitment to tackling counterfeit trade and enhancing investor confidence through stronger intellectual property (IP) protection, during the EU–Kenya Business Forum 2025 held at Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi.

The session, themed “IP Protection and the Investment Climate: The Role of Stakeholders in Preventing IP Crime”, brought together enforcement officials, private sector leaders, and international partners to examine the critical role of IP protection in driving innovation and safeguarding trade.

In a keynote address, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Executive Director Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, outlined a series of policy and enforcement reforms aimed at curbing the illicit trade in counterfeit goods, which continues to threaten public health, consumer safety, and economic growth.

“IP crime is not just a legal issue - it’s a public safety and economic concern,” the ACA Executive Director noted, affirming Kenya’s status as one of the first countries in Africa to establish a dedicated IP enforcement body under a robust legal framework.

Key reforms highlighted included the national rollout of the IP Recordation System to intercept fake imports, multi-agency operations that have seized counterfeit goods worth over KES 5 billion, and the upcoming launch of Kenya’s National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy, developed with support from WIPO. ACA is also intensifying nationwide public awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives.

Mr. Gregor Schneider, Regional IP Counsellor at the European Union, emphasized the importance of IP enforcement in unlocking market opportunities, stating,

“IP protection adds value to African goods and expands access to EU markets. Innovation and investment thrive where counterfeits are denied room to grow.”

Private sector perspectives were led by Dr. Isaac Yugi, Business Surveillance Manager at Mabati Rolling Mills, who called for deeper collaboration between regulators and businesses.

“Industry players are ready to provide intelligence and product training to enforcement agencies to strengthen the fight against IP theft,” he said.

The forum precedes World Anti-Counterfeit Day, set to be commemorated on 6th June 2025, where Kenya will lead national and regional campaigns to promote coordinated IP enforcement and public awareness.