In a moment that captured both the spirit and purpose of World Anti-Counterfeit Day 2025, Mathaithi Girls High School from Nyeri County delivered a stirring performance that left the audience moved and inspired. The students took the stage with confidence and pride as they presented their award-winning choral verse, “Upholding Authenticity,” a piece that has already earned national acclaim after winning top honours in Category 464 at the prestigious Kenya Music Festival.

Their participation in the event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi, was more than just an artistic interlude-it was a passionate statement on the role of young people and cultural expression in the fight against counterfeiting. With powerful narration, harmonized voices, and poetic depth, the performance reminded participants from across government, industry, and international organizations that the message of authenticity can be amplified far beyond policy papers and enforcement statistics-it can also be sung, dramatized, and deeply felt.

The engagement led by the ACA Public Education and Awareness Department is part of ACA’s broader outreach efforts to use creative platforms to spark national conversations on intellectual property rights. Speaking after the performance, ACA Deputy Director in charge of Public Education and Awareness, Mrs. Agnes Karing’u, lauded the students and teachers for their exemplary advocacy through the arts.

"Mathaithi Girls proved that awareness doesn’t have to be technical to be impactful. Their performance was emotional, educational, and unforgettable. They reminded us that young people are not just future consumers—they are present-day champions of authenticity," she said.

Recognizing the students’ efforts, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) commended Mathaithi Girls for using their talents to advocate for a safer, more authentic marketplace. ACA Executive Director Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge praised the school for translating complex issues into an emotionally resonant call for integrity, saying:

“Their performance was not only artistically brilliant but also deeply meaningful. It affirmed that our fight against counterfeiting is one that touches all sectors of society-including our schools.”

The students were awarded certificates of recognition and took photos with national and international dignitaries in attendance. This symbolic gesture not only acknowledged their creativity but also underscored the importance of nurturing future champions of intellectual property (IP) awareness.

Through platforms like the World Anti-Counterfeit Day, ACA continues to engage diverse audiences-including youth-in spreading the message of authenticity and IP protection. As Mathaithi Girls High School showed, the voices of the next generation are not only valid-they are vital.