News and Events

Nairobi, 22 October 2026 — The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has announced intensified nationwide enforcement operations targeting counterfeit and illicit alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products, agricultural inputs, foodstuffs and school learning materials, amid growing concerns over consumer safety, food security and the impact of illicit trade on legitimate businesses.

Speaking during a press briefing at ACA Headquarters in Nairobi today, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Hon. Nelson Ributhi Gaichuhie, CBS, warned that counterfeit networks continue to exploit consumer demand and legitimate distribution channels, exposing Kenyans to unsafe products and undermining the country's economy.

A tube of toothpaste, a toothbrush or a container of body lotion is part of the daily routine in many homes. Consumers rarely expect such ordinary products to expose them or their families to harm. Yet when personal care products are counterfeited, that trust can come at a serious cost.

This concern came into focus when an enforcement operation conducted along River Road in Nairobi’s Central Business District led to the seizure of suspected counterfeit personal care products.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) is leading an ongoing multi-agency enforcement operation in Makindu, Makueni County, targeting suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages.

The operation brings together ACA enforcement officers and security agencies in a coordinated effort to disrupt the trade in counterfeit products and protect consumers from potentially unsafe goods.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority - Kenya (ACA) today hosted a delegation from the Fertilizer Association of Kenya (FAK), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Lilian Wanjiru Mbuthia (PhD), for a courtesy visit and discussions on strengthening collaboration in addressing emerging challenges within the fertilizer sector.

The engagement, led by ACA Executive Director Robi M. King'a PhD, focused on counterfeiting, diversion and repackaging of fertilizer, misuse of genuine packaging, cross-border movement into neighbouring countries, and the need for stronger product traceability across the supply chain.

As Africa opens up its markets to greater cross-border trade, a critical question emerges: How do we make trade easier while keeping counterfeit goods out of our markets?

This was a key focus of discussions at the 7th Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards (APSCA 2026), held from 14th to 16th October 2026 in Accra, Ghana, where the Anti-Counterfeit Authority - Kenya(ACA) joined policymakers, public sector leaders and industry stakeholders from across the continent.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has earned double honours at the 7th Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards (APSCA 2026), held in Accra, Ghana, in recognition of its contribution to consumer protection, intellectual property enforcement and public sector leadership.

The Authority was named Anti-Counterfeit Enforcement and Consumer Protection Provider of the Year, recognising its efforts to combat counterfeit trade, protect consumers and safeguard legitimate businesses.

A suspected illegal fertilizer repackaging scheme involving the diversion of government-subsidized fertilizer has been uncovered in Matungu, Kakamega County, following an enforcement operation by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA).

The operation led to the seizure of 323 bags of illegally repackaged fertilizer valued at over KSh 1.6 million, two loaded lorries and industrial packaging equipment believed to have been used in the illicit activity.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) today hosted a delegation from the Fertilizer Association of Kenya (FAK) for a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening collaboration in addressing emerging challenges within Kenya’s fertilizer sector.

The engagement, led by ACA Executive Director Robi M. King’a, PhD brought together officials from the Authority and representatives of FAK led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Lillian Wanjiru. Discussions focused on counterfeiting, diversion of fertilizer, repackaging, cross-border movement of fertilizer into neighboring countries, product traceability and the need for stronger information sharing between the Authority and industry.

The Senate Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology today held a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), Dr Robi M. King’a, to deliberate on the use of digital technologies and product traceability systems in combating counterfeit and illicit alcohol and protecting consumers in Kenya.

The Committee was informed that the challenge of illicit alcohol extends beyond counterfeit products to include tax-leaked, smuggled, substandard, adulterated, unlicensed artisanal and surrogate alcohol, requiring a coordinated multi-agency response.

The discussions brought together an ACA delegation led by Executive Director Dr. Robi M. King’a, PhD, and the PRSK team to explore areas of mutual interest in strategic communication, professional development and public engagement.

Dr. King’a was accompanied by Mr. Henry Maina Omusundi, Deputy Director, Research and Policy; Ms. Agnes Karingu, Deputy Director, Education and Public Awareness; Ms. Jully Kamollo, Deputy Director, Legal Services; and Ms. Jacklyne Wabuko from Public Communications.