This archive report was first published on 14 November 2019.
Published on November 14, 2019, the issue of counterfeit goods in Kenya has reached alarming levels, posing a significant threat to the country's economy and legitimate trade.
The market is saturated with cheap and fake products, grossly undercutting local manufacturers and traders. This is largely due to poor controls, with agencies responsible for checking imports and validating their quality failing to do their work, allowing substandard goods into the market.
Corrupt officials are taking advantage of the situation, using their positions for quick money. However, we acknowledge the efforts made to curb trade in fake goods and urge the government to seal all loopholes through which these goods enter the market.
Public cooperation is also crucial in this fight against counterfeits. Citizens should volunteer information to the authorities for action.
Recently, Trade Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya presented plans to deal with counterfeits to a parliamentary committee. His proposals include collapsing and merging governmental agencies tasked with inspection and quality checks, such as the Kenya Industrial Property Institute, Kenya Copyright Board, Pharmacy and Poisons Board, and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.
However, the current system is plagued by jurisdictional and turf wars, leading to paralysis and allowing the menace to thrive. A review of their roles and mandates, with a view to establishing points of confluence and merging them where necessary, would be cost-effective and efficient.
Mr. Munya also proposed allowing importers to have their goods inspected in the country of origin, with the aim of reducing importation bottlenecks and ensuring ease of trade. However, the efficacy of such processes is questionable, given the presence of in-country factors that militate against proper checks.
Ultimately, the government must focus on enforcing rules and regulations. There are comprehensive and adequate regulations to curb illegal imports, but they are never implemented. Borders are porous, institutions charged with quality checks are corrupt, and systems are faulty.
For a start, the government should mount an aggressive crackdown on counterfeits, rein in illegal traders, and enforce the existing rules. We need urgent and practical measures to end illicit trade.
