This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
On Thursday, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) together with a multi-agency enforcement team destroyed counterfeit goods worth Ksh 27 million in Athi River.
The goods, which included fast-moving consumer items such as clothing, footwear, alcohol, electrical goods, and apparel, were replicas of popular local and international brands.
ACA Executive Director Elema Halake described the move as a critical step in the continuous effort to fight counterfeit products in the country.
"This underscores our serious commitment to rid the local markets of fake brands that are not fit for human consumption," he said.
Halake noted that the initiative was a significant milestone for the Authority, which had worked closely with other enforcement teams to nab the goods.
"Counterfeit products are not fit for human consumption. Today's initiative goes a long way to contribute to the National Action Plan against counterfeiting and illicit trade in the country," he added.
The move comes as the world celebrates Anti-Counterfeit Day every first week of June yearly.
Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina also weighed in on the issue, noting that the government was committed to fighting the war on illicit trade and counterfeit products.
"We are on a daily basis fighting the war on illicit trade and counterfeit products as it has a big hit in genuine economic activity, contributes to reduced essential tax revenue, impacts on foreign direct investment prospects and contributes to serious health risks," she said.
