Eldoret, Kenya – 20th March 2025.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), in partnership with the National Police Service and other enforcement agencies, has intercepted 233 bags of counterfeit fertilizer worth Ksh 23 million in Molo, Nakuru County. Two suspects have been arrested and are facing prosecution under the Anti-Counterfeit Act, 2008.

Speaking at a media briefing in Eldoret, ACA Executive Director, Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, underscored the threat of counterfeit agricultural inputs to Kenya’s food security and economic stability. He urged farmers to remain vigilant, as fake fertilizers degrade soil quality, reduce yields, and cause financial losses.

MOMBASA. Kenya – More than 50 enforcement officers from key regulatory agencies in Kenya and East Africa have undergone specialized training to combat counterfeit STIHL power saw machines and accessories at the Port of Mombasa and along the Northern Corridor Transit Route.

The two-day product authentication training, held on March 11-12, 2025, at Hotel Sapphire in Mombasa, was organized by Olith Afrique Limited, representing the STIHL brand, in collaboration with the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA). The training brought together officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Kenya Bureau of Standards KEBS) (and the ACA. Regional partners from the Joint Port Control Unit (JPCU) and customs officials from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo also participated.

Nairobi, March 7, 2025 – The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Kenya, in partnership with the Anti-Counterfeit Network (ACN) Uganda, has launched the Bleep App, an AI-driven authentication tool designed to tackle counterfeit trade in East Africa. The app, powered by Cypheme’s advanced AI technology, provides real-time product verification, empowering consumers, enforcement agencies, and businesses to authenticate good instantly and report counterfeit products.

Inspectors from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) have intercepted a shipment of counterfeit mobile phone accessories at the port of Mombasa, seizing over 3,000 items with an estimated value of Ksh 4 million. The haul included counterfeit packaging materials, labels, cartons of fake spare parts, and accessories branded under leading mobile phone trademarks traded in the country.

Under ordinary circumstances, mobile phone accessories are not imported separately from their devices. This irregular practice often serves as a conduit for destination repackaging and labeling. This enables unscrupulous traders to circumvent customs regulations and avoid detection by border officers. By doing so, counterfeit goods are more easily disguised and passed off as genuine items once they reach the local market.

Nairobi, Kenya - February 26, 2025 – The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), in collaboration with other government agencies, conducted a raid leading to the seizure of approximately 190,000 counterfeit fertilizer packaging bags in Nairobi’s Kariokor area. This operation follows complaints from legitimate fertilizer manufacturers and trademark owners regarding the proliferation of fake agricultural inputs.

ACA Regional Manager for Nairobi, Mr. Abid Abikar, confirmed that the empty counterfeit bags, each with a 50kg capacity, were discovered at the illegal facility, ready for filling and distribution. “This seizure underscores our commitment to protecting farmers from fraudulent agricultural inputs that compromise food security and undermine trust in the market,” said Mr. Abikar.

Kitengela Kenya, 17^th February 2025.

ACA inspectors have arrested a suspect for having counterfeit agricultural products valued at approximately KES 3,400,000.

The move follows ACA’s heightened war against counterfeit trade and dedication to safeguarding consumers and legitimate enterprises from counterfeit goods.

Mr.  Samuel Kibe Gatitu, was found with a large quantity of counterfeit agrochemicals, including thousands of product units, empty containers, caps, and packaging materials. He was taken into custody and officially booked at Kitengela Police Station for further processing. Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the illicit supply chain associated with these counterfeit agricultural inputs.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to strengthen collaboration in the prosecution of counterfeiting crimes in Kenya.

This was affirmed today during a meeting between ACA and ODPP officials. 

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, ACA Executive Director, said, “successful prosecution of intellectual property crimes requires close collaboration between investigatory agencies and the prosecution arm of government. Strengthening our partnership with the ODPP will enhance the handling of IP cases and serve as a deterrent against counterfeit trade.”

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has partnered with the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) at the ongoing 2024 PRSK Annual Summit, hosted at Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay County. This year’s Summit, themed “Elevating PR Counsel in a Disrupted World,” has attracted public relations professionals nationwide to share strategies for navigating the rapidly changing communication landscape.

ACA’s Executive Director, Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, a former PRSK Vice President, headlined a panel discussion on “Organizational Positioning: Building Value, Increasing Visibility, and Driving Viability.” Dr. Njoroge emphasized the importance of trust, transparency, and ethical leadership in driving sustainable organizational growth.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), in partnership with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), hosted a public-private sector dialogue at Voyager Beach Resort in Mombasa, focusing on how Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The event, themed “Enhancing SMEs’ Benefits in the AfCFTA by Fighting Counterfeiting and Related Forms of Illicit Trade,” brought together stakeholders from various sectors to address the barriers preventing SMEs from fully capitalizing on AfCFTA opportunities.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) partnered with Murang’a University of Technology (MUT) to mark its 1st Innovation Week, themed “Advancing Cutting Edge Innovations through Science and Technology for Sustainable Development.” The event brought together industry players, academics, and students for conferences and exhibitions, emphasizing the critical role of intellectual property (IP) in fostering innovation, strengthening industry linkages, and driving economic growth.

ACA Executive Director, Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge a keynote speaker was accompanied by Dr. John Akoten, ACA Director of Research, Policy, and Public Awareness, and other staff paid a courtesy call to MUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dickson M. Nyariki, at his office at the University. During the meeting, Dr. Njoroge reaffirmed ACA’s commitment to collaborating with academic institutions to integrate IP education into research and innovation programs. Prof. Nyariki lauded ACA’s proactive engagement, emphasizing the importance of IP protection in bridging the gap between academia and industry.