Mombasa, Kenya – 29th May 2025. The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), in collaboration with JO Global Ventures Ltd, conducted a one-day product authentication training in Mombasa to strengthen the capacity of enforcement officers in identifying counterfeit goods entering the country through the coastal region.

The training brought together customs, police, and county enforcement officers and focused on how to detect fake products by analyzing packaging, security features, serial numbers, and brand-specific indicators.

The officers were taken through a variety of brands from different Multinational Companies such as Caterpillar Inc, Perkins, Beiersdorf (Nivea), Vlisco-Netherlands, Canon Inc, and Pharmaceutical manufacturers such as Novartis, MERCK/MSD and Gilead.

Presiding over the session were Mr. Lindsay Kipkemoi, ACA Deputy Director of Enforcement, and Mr. Ibrahim Bulle, ACA Coastal Regional Head Manager. Mr. Willian Onyango, Director of JO Global Ltd, facilitated the technical sessions on brand authentication.

“Our officers are the first line of defense. They must have the ability to distinguish genuine products from imitations with confidence and accuracy,” said Mr. Kipkemoi.

Mr. Bulle noted, “Authenticating goods on the ground prevents counterfeit items from reaching unsuspecting consumers. This training is critical for timely and decisive action.”

Mr. Onyango added, “We bring the manufacturers' expertise to the enforcement frontline. It’s not just theory—it’s practical knowledge that protects lives, livelihoods, and brand integrity.”

According to ACA’s 2024 consumer survey, over 70% of Kenyan consumers have purchased counterfeit goods, often unknowingly. Counterfeits are increasingly found not just in informal markets, but also in supermarkets and online platforms, posing serious risks to public safety and the economy.

The workshop is part of ACA’s broader effort to enhance market surveillance and build technical enforcement capacity through strategic partnerships with brand agents and rights holders.