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News and Events

ACA Inspectors Undergo Mercedes Benz Genuine Parts Training to Help Detect Counterfeit Parts

In a move to safeguard the automotive industry from the scourge of counterfeit parts, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has partnered with up with CFAO Motors Kenya Limited to provide product authentication training for its inspectors. Hosted at the CFAO Training Centre in Nairobi, the training is aimed at enhancing enforcement capabilities in identifying and addressing infringements of Mercedes-Benz intellectual property within the country.

Sensitization: Procurement Opportunities for Disadvantaged Groups

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority informs prospective suppliers under the Disadvantaged Group categories (Youth, Women, and Persons with Disabilities) that the Authority intends to undertake a sensitization forum for the said groups on 15th February 2024 at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority Headquarters at the National Water Plaza 3rd Floor Dunga Road Industrial Area, Nairobi.

Interested suppliers are requested to confirm their attendance by sending their email addresses, phone contacts, and representatives details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on or before 8th February 2024 to enable preparation of the meeting.

For further inquiries or clarification please call +254717430640 or send us an email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge
Executive Director
25th January 2023

Safeguarding Public Health: Anti-Counterfeit Authority and Pharmacy and Poisons Board Unite Forces Against Counterfeit and Illicit Medicines

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) of Kenya have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a move aimed at strengthening existing collaboration in the war against counterfeit trade. This strategic partnership underscores the shared commitment of the two government agencies to combat the pervasive trade in counterfeit and illicit medicines within the country.

Data from a joint initiative by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Institute for Research Against Counterfeit Medicines (IRACM) revealed that, in 2016 alone, customs officials across 16 countries, including Kenya, identified 113 million illicit and potentially dangerous medicines valued at €52 million (Sh6 billion).

OP-ED: Share Genuine Gifts this Holiday Season

The custom of exchanging gifts has long been a focal point of our festivities during the holiday season, which is associated with the joy of giving and receiving. This age-old tradition dates back to the earliest stages of human civilization, when individuals traded unusual mementos - like oddly shaped rocks or animal teeth - to strengthen relationships and show gratitude.

But as time has gone on, the gift-giving scene has changed, growing into a prosperous sector driven by materialism. Presents are no longer just commodities; they are now goods, commercial and industrial, decorated with themes and stories attached.

Public Notice: Warning of Impostors Disguised as ACA Inspectors

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority has received reports of persons posing as Anti-Counterfeit inspectors targeting business owners and soliciting money pretending to enforce the Anti-Counterfeit Act.

The code of conduct for Anti-Counterfeit Inspector is always to:

  • Inspectors shall provide full particulars to identify themselves to the public when inspecting a premises
  • Present the "Certificate of Authority" identification card
  • They should indicate from which regions for clarification.

Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) and NACADA Forge Alliance to Combat Counterfeits and Drug Abuse

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) and the National Agency for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) forges an alliance to combat counterfeits and drug abuse. The initiative is to safeguard public health and tackle pressing societal challenges especially during the festive season.

The meeting bringing together the officials from NACADA and ACA was held at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority headquarters in Nairobi. The meeting focused on exploring collaborative measures to address the proliferation and abuse of counterfeit alcohol, drugs, and other substance.

Securing Kenya's Industrialization Through Robust Intellectual Property Rights

The critical role of a Strong Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) System in advancing Kenya's industrialisation agenda cannot be overstated. Counterfeiting, or intellectual property theft, poses a significant threat to this progress. It not only affects fair trade, investment, and employment but also has far-reaching implications for innovation, the environment, and, crucially, the health and safety of consumers.

Globally, illicit trade, including counterfeiting, is a predominant menace, depriving the world economy of an estimated $2.2 trillion annually, equivalent to nearly three per cent of the global GDP. In Kenya, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority's baseline survey in 2018 revealed illicit trade amounting to Ksh826 billion, a 14% increase from the previous year. This trend persisted in 2019, with illicit trade accounting for 13% of the country's GDP, totalling Ksh800 billion.

ACA Feted for Exemplary Performance in Upholding National Values and Cohesion

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has been awarded the prestigious Certificate of Exemplary Performance by the Directorate of National Cohesion and Values for its unwavering dedication to adhering to the 2022-2023 financial year performance contracting guidelines on national values and principles of governance.

The Awards, a symbol of national pride and unity, is coordinated by the Executive Office of the President, in compliance with the national values and principles of governance as articulated in Article 10(2) of the Kenyan constitution.

Nairobi Businessman Fined Kshs. 400,000 Or Imprisonment For Selling Counterfeit HP Products

In a judgment issued at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, the Honorable Chief Magistrate L. Gicheha has found Mr. Japheth Mukinyi Mwakavi guilty of the possession and trade of counterfeit goods, a violation of section 32 of the Anti-Counterfeit Act No. 13 of 2008.

Mr. Mwakavi was charged with unlawfully possessing for purposes of trade, 17 counterfeit HP flatboxes, valued at Kshs. 139,500, without the authorization of the registered intellectual property owner, Hewlett Packard Group LLC, which is in contravention of section 32(a) as stipulated in section 35(1) of the Anti-Counterfeit Act No.13 of 2008.

Anti-Counterfeit Authority Opens New Frontier With National Defence University

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) and the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) have opened a new frontier that seeks to ensure counterfeiting and illicit trade do not endanger the country.

The prospect of this partnership was introduced during a productive meeting between Dr. Robi Mbugua, the Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, and Major General Said Farah, Vice-Chancellor of NDU-K, held at the main campus in Lanet Nakuru.

Kenya’s Freight and Forwarding Association to Strengthen Partnerships with ACA Towards Promotion of Legitimate International Trade

Mombasa, 28th August 2023.

Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA) have in meeting today agreed to strengthen collaboration with the government in combating international trade in counterfeit products. This was revealed after a fruitful meeting between the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Executive Director, Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, and KIFWA's National Chairman, Mr. Roy Mwanthi in Mombasa.  

The upshot of the meeting was formation of a strategic alliance focusing on raising awareness about the perils of counterfeiting and training members on matters dealing with trade in counterfeits. This is aimed at safeguarding legitimate international trade practices and building a network of informed members in the freight and forwarding industry operating in the country.  

Exploring Strong Collaborative Partnerships: ACA Engages Kenya’s Private Sector Alliance in Stepping Up War on Counterfeit Trade

Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) in a meeting today agreed to collaborate with the Anti-Counterfeit Authority in move aimed at exploring potential areas of partnership in combating counterfeiting and promoting consumer protection in Kenya.

The KEPSA delegation was led by Ms. Anne Kimitei, the Chairperson of the Security Sector Board included Vice Chair of the Security Board, Mr. Cosmas Mutava, Ms. Brenda Mwita from Mabati Rolling Mills, and Mr. Isaac Yugi.

The Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, expressed gratitude for deepening the collaboration in the spirit of private-public partnerships in the fight against counterfeiting. Dr. Mbugua said the Authority will continue to engage in constructive dialogues with the private sector not only to protect Intellectual property rights but also to protect consumers from the detrimental effects of counterfeit goods.

European Union Delegation Visits for Strengthened Collaboration in Combating Intellectual Property Rights Theft across the Region

A delegation from the European Union led by Mr. Martijn Boelen, the European Union (EU) Trade Counsellor to Kenya, and Mr. Gregor Schneider, the EU Africa Regional Counsellor Intellectual Property made a visit to the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Executive Director Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge at his office in Nairobi. In attendance was Mr. Filipo Amato from the EU, and senior members of ACA management. 

The meeting aimed at reviewing existing areas of collaboration targeting capacity building and legislative interventions towards effective protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) in the country.

Nakuru County Partners with ACA to Host Business Community Sensitization Forum

3rd August 2023. Nakuru, Kenya.

The County Government of Nakuru, in collaboration with the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), successfully organized an open-air consultative forum at Nyayo Gardens in Nakuru city, aimed at fostering a stronger partnership with the business community.

The consultative meeting, held against the backdrop of a surge in counterfeit trade in the region, sought to promote effective collaboration between government agencies and traders in combatting counterfeit and illicit trade.

Business Associations in Kisumu and Lake Basin Region in partnership call with ACA in efforts geared towards Combating Counterfeit Trade

In a significant development, a consultative meeting was convened earlier on today, with executive members of business associations from Kisumu and the Lake Basin region. The primary objective of this meeting was to enhance  collaboration and information sharing in combating the prevalent issues of counterfeit and illicit trade within the area.

Taking the lead in this endeavor, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) engages different stakeholders including partner government agencies and the trade community to foster legitimate trade practices. The paramount goal is to shield both the public and businesses from the harmful effects of counterfeit products, intellectual property theft, and unfair trade practices.

Private Investigators Advocate for Strategic Partnership to Bolster ACA Efforts in the Fight Against Intellectual Property Theft

In a joint effort to combat Intellectual Property (IP) theft within the country, private investigators are calling for a unified approach and closer collaboration with government agencies.

The call for streamlined engagement was made during a meeting between Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), and Mr. Fredrick Saramba, Chairman of the Intellectual Property Rights Agents Society of Kenya (IPRASK), along with his team members, held in Nairobi today.

ACA Welcomes New Team of Employees to the Authority

The Authority has announced an addition of 18 more staff members who have joined the Authority this month. The additions include One (1) Director and Two (2) Deputy Directors and Seven (7) Anti-Counterfeit Inspectors among other roles.

The new employees will undergo a four-day induction program at the College of Insurance at South C, Nairobi in line with ACA recruitment policy to acquaint new employees’ with knowledge and culture of the organization.

Collaboration With Creative Industry To Spur Economic Development

Nairobi, Kenya 27th June 2023.

In line with our mandate to co-ordinate and collaborate with other organizations involved in combating counterfeiting, today we hosted a delagation from copyright and related rights Collective Management Organisations (CMOS’s).

The visitors were led by the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Association of Music Producers Mr. Maurice Akoth and included representatives from Music Copyright Society of Kenya and Performer Rights Society of Kenya. Discussions were based on possible areas of collaboration to ensure protection and growth of the creative industry in Kenya.

Manufacturers Calls for Renewed Collaboration in Fight Against Counterfeit Trade

Nairobi, Kenya 26th June 2023

Today we played host to a delegation from the Kenya Association of Manufacturers led by the Board Director, Legal and Regulatory Committee Mr. Rajan Malde at ACA headquarter offices in Nairobi. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss ways of strengthening collaboration between two organizations in the fight against counterfeit trade among others.

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has been at the forefront of advocating for policy and legal reforms to protect the manufacturing sector members from the scourges of trade in counterfeit products that are threating their profitability and sustainability.

Spurring Digital - Driven Economies by Addressing Intellectual Property Crime

The threat to global economies by the increased infringement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is real and continues to grow larger every day. Figures by the World Economic Forum estimates that counterfeiting and illicit trade presently deprives the global economy of $2.2 trillion annually, accounting for nearly three per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP),

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority, the Attorney General Africa – Africa Programme and other stakeholders in the IP industry are hosting a unique IP Enforcement symposium in Nairobi, Kenya on June 13-15. The forum convenes prominent stakeholders, policymakers, legal experts, industry leaders, and international organizations involved in trade, intellectual property protection and enforcement.

  1. 15 Billion Tree Target: ACA Embarks on Tree Planting Campaign in Makueni County
  2. Regional Collaboration to Deter Illegitimate Shipments of Counterfeit and Illicit Goods in the Northern Corridor of the Great Lakes Region
  3. Celebrating World Intellectual Property Day 2023 in Kenya; Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity
  4. Signing of a MOU Between the Anti-Counterfeit Authority of Kenya And Uganda’s Anti-Counterfeit Network to Fight Counterfeits
  5. UK and Kenya in Anti-Counterfeiting and Intellectual Property Protection Dialogue
  6. Expansion of Regulated HS Codes for Phase II Implementation of Import Declaration of IPRS
  7. US Customs and Border Protection in discussion to host the First International Conference on Intellectual Protection and Enforcement in Nairobi
  8. ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems Re-Certification Award Ceremony
  9. ACA Launches New Strategy to Address Rampant Trade in Counterfeit And Protection Intellectual Property Rights for the Next Five Years
  10. OP-ED True Love has no place for Counterfeits
  11. Change of Guard: Hon. Josephat Kabeabea Takes Over as Chairman of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority
  12. Public Notice 4/2022: Implementation of Recordation of Intellectual Property Rights for Imports
  13. ACA gets ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems Re-certification
  14. DCI Director General Amin Mohammed Opens a Training Forum for Anti-Counterfeit Inspectors
  15. Implementation of Recordation of Intellectual Property Rights for Imports
  16. ACA Executive Director Visits Uganda to Further Regional Collaboration in Fighting Counterfeit Trade
  17. It’s ‘All Hands On the Deck’! Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Comes on Board for Enhanced Collaboration
  18. US National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center Training on IP Rights
  19. ACA and KIPI in Revamped Plan to Fortify Promotion and Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
  20. Kenya’s Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Agencies participate in workshop on Recordation of IP Rights

Contacts

Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA)
National Water Plaza
3rd Flr, Dunga Rd Industrial Area,
P.O. Box, 47771-00100 (GPO), Nairobi, Kenya.
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Phone: +254 20-2280000
Mobile: +254 717 430 640

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