Kenya joined the global community in marking World Anti-Counterfeit Day with a strong warning against the growing threat of counterfeit goods, which cost the country an estimated Sh153 billion annually. The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), in partnership with the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), hosted an international symposium to galvanize efforts in fighting illicit trade.
Observed worldwide, World Anti-Counterfeit Day aims to raise awareness on the dangers of counterfeit products and to promote collaboration in tackling this global menace. This year’s theme focused on fostering global cooperation to protect economies and consumers from the harmful effects of fake goods.
Speaking at the event, ACA Executive Director Robi Njoroge emphasized the scale of the crisis, stating that counterfeiting is not only economic sabotage but also a public health threat and a barrier to industrial growth. “We are seeing counterfeiting impact vital sectors such as health, agriculture, construction, and electronics,” he said.
To streamline intellectual property services, Njoroge announced the merger of ACA, the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), and the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) into the Kenya Intellectual Property Authority (KIPA). The new body will consolidate IP registration, enforcement, and protection functions to improve efficiency and accessibility.
The symposium also highlighted the growing menace of counterfeit medicines, with Njoroge warning of long-term health risks posed by ineffective or harmful products sold as legitimate medicine.
Peter Kariuki, a lead researcher from KCA University, stressed the role of consumer behavior in fuelling counterfeit trade. He noted that the demand for cheap alternatives often drives the spread of substandard goods and called for greater public awareness and vigilance, particularly in digital marketplaces.
Kariuki further warned that counterfeit activities undermine innovation and erode the value of intellectual property.
Kenya’s renewed call for coordinated international action, through partnerships with the EU, Interpol, WIPO and others, signals a pivotal moment. As Njoroge declared, “This is a Kairos moment the right time for bold action to secure Kenya’s future in innovation and IP protection.”
