This archive report was first published on 10 June 2020.
Kenya loses an estimated Sh40 billion annually due to the trade in counterfeit goods, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has said.
The association's director general, Phyllis Wakiaga, made the revelation during a recent meeting with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
Ms Wakiaga noted that the trade in counterfeit goods has severe consequences on the economy, including loss of revenue and jobs.
She called on the government to take decisive action to curb the trade in counterfeit goods, including increasing penalties for those found guilty of the offense.
Ms Wakiaga also urged consumers to be cautious when purchasing goods, especially those that are cheap and of poor quality.
She noted that many consumers are unaware that the goods they are purchasing are counterfeit and may pose health risks.
The KAM director general also called on the government to provide support to manufacturers who are affected by the trade in counterfeit goods.
She noted that many manufacturers have been forced to close down due to the loss of revenue and jobs caused by the trade in counterfeit goods.
