The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has destroyed counterfeit goods valued at over KSh 200M in a major enforcement exercise aimed at protecting consumers, safeguarding legitimate businesses, and preserving the integrity of Kenya’s marketplace.

The destruction exercise, conducted in Athi River, marks a significant milestone in the Authority’s ongoing efforts to combat the proliferation of counterfeit goods across the country. The goods had been seized through coordinated enforcement operations across Nairobi, Eastern and Nyeri regions, including key entry points such as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the Inland Container Depot, Nairobi, and had undergone all required legal and administrative processes prior to disposal.

Speaking during the exercise, ACA Executive Director Dr. Robi M. King’a emphasized that the destruction was not merely a procedural step, but a firm demonstration of the Authority’s commitment to enforcing the law and eliminating counterfeit goods from the market.

“This exercise is not merely about the disposal of illicit goods. It is a firm demonstration of our commitment to enforcing the law, disrupting illegal trade networks, and ensuring counterfeit products are permanently removed from circulation,” he said.

The range of goods destroyed highlights the widespread and evolving nature of counterfeit trade in Kenya. The items cut across multiple sectors, including apparel and footwear, machinery and spare parts, electronics and phone accessories, stationery, alcohol and beverages, agro-chemicals, petroleum products, foodstuffs, and various household and industrial goods. Among the highest-value categories were apparel, machinery and spare parts, electronics and phone accessories and stationery products.

Beyond the economic impact, the Authority warned that counterfeit goods pose serious risks to public health and safety. From substandard automotive parts that endanger motorists to fake alcohol, cosmetics, and electrical products that can harm consumers, the consequences of counterfeit trade are far-reaching.

“Counterfeit goods are not just an economic concern, they are a direct threat to lives. They endanger consumers, undermine investment, distort fair competition, and erode trust in the market,” Dr. King’a noted.

The Executive Director further underscored the importance of destruction as a key enforcement measure, noting that once goods have been seized and all legal processes concluded, they must be permanently removed from circulation to prevent them from re-entering the market.

The exercise was conducted in collaboration with several government agencies, including the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Police Service, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Weights and Measures, and local administration. This multi-agency approach continues to play a critical role in addressing increasingly sophisticated counterfeit networks.

ACA also recognized the important role played by Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) owners and their representatives, whose collaboration in identifying and reporting counterfeit goods remains vital. Brands represented in the destruction exercise spanned multiple sectors, including global and local companies such as Spoor & Fisher (representing multiple brands like PUMA, Apple), React, Hewlett Packard, Toyota, Bosch, Colgate Palmolive, Unilever, Reckitt, Crown Paints, Kenya Tea Packers, Yamaha, Philips, Nokia, Vivo/Shell, East Africa Cables, and KLB Publishers, among others.

The Authority has called on consumers to remain vigilant by purchasing goods from reputable sources, checking product packaging and authenticity features, and reporting any suspected counterfeit goods.

“Consumers are the first line of defence. If in doubt, do not buy—and report,” Dr. King’a emphasized.

As ACA continues to strengthen enforcement and deepen collaboration with stakeholders, the Authority remains committed to protecting consumers, supporting genuine enterprise, and promoting a fair and trusted marketplace in Kenya.