Kenya is losing close to KSh110 billion annually through counterfeit products, this is according to Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robi Kin’ga.
Dr. King’a says the country’s manufacturing sector has been greatly affected by increased imports of substandard products into the Kenyan market at cheaper costs.
Dr. King’a says the Authority is working to manage this crisis through the introduction of the recondition program at the points of entry where manufacturers are required to record their brands with the ACA to curb importation of imitated products.
“Counterfeiting is not just a legal issue, it is a consumer safety issue, a business competitiveness issue, and an economic issue. Nairobi, as a major entry and distribution hub, plays a critical role in shaping market integrity across the country,” says Dr. King’a.
Principal Secretary (PS) for State Department of Industry Dr. Juma Mukhwana has called on Kenyans to embrace manufacturing, which will go a long way in reducing over-reliance on imports while creating job opportunities locally.
PS Mukhwana says that improving manufacturing sector in the country will save the country from fake products that find their way into the Kenyan markets, as well as reduce cost on money shipped outside the country through imports of products that can easily be produced locally at cheaper costs.
“We must produce more locally, strengthen our manufacturing sector, and create jobs for our people. Counterfeiting undermines these efforts by punishing compliant businesses and discouraging investment. Protecting legitimate enterprise is central to our industrial agenda,” Dr. Mukhwana says.
National Government Administrative Office (NGAO) representatives pledged to support the fight against counterfeit products with a clarion call on stringent measures to be put in place at all levels of regulation through intelligence and sharing of information with ACA.
The leaders spoke on Tuesday, January 20 during the Nairobi County Interactive Stakeholder Forum on anti-counterfeiting, bringing together stakeholders from different sectors such as manufacturers, National Police Service, and the county government.
The engagement is providing an opportunity for participants to interact directly with policymakers and government leaders on issues affecting market integrity, trade, and industrial growth.
