Government launches action plan to combat illicit trade

Kenya Anti-counterfeit Agency staff march along Nairobi to commemorate World Anti-Counterfeit Day. [Elvis Ogina/Standard]

The Government has launched a multi-agency plan to combat illicit trade.

The launch comes as the World Anti-Counterfeit Day was marked yesterday.

The Principal Secretary for Trade and Cooperatives, Mr Chris Kiptoo, said the war on fakes had been enhanced, unlike before when it was only being carried out by State agencies.

“We have formed a multi-agency action plan 2019-2022 because this war requires a well-coordinated approach by both national and international partners,” said the Principal Secretary as he oversaw the destruction of counterfeit goods worth Sh38 billion in Athi River.

Mr Kiptoo said since last year, they had seized Sh14 billion worth of counterfeit goods across the country and destroyed Sh2 billion worth of the fakes.

Deputy Head of Public Service Wanyama Musiambo said corruption was feeding the counterfeit trade in the county.

“It is all a question of corruption that we must tackle because illicit trade passes through our official entry points, which are manned by our security and other officers,” said Musiambo.

Musiambo also asked Kenyans not to be driven by cheap prices of counterfeits goods, but mind their health and economy first by buying quality products even if at slightly higher prices.

Parliamentary Trade Committee chairman Kanini Kega said trade in counterfeits should be tackled in a similar manner that human trafficking, corruption, money laundering and terrorism are being dealt with, because of its harsh effect on the economy and people’s health.

Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA) chairperson Flora Mutahi said 70 per cent of imported goods were counterfeits, eating into 40 per cent of local manufacturers' market share.

The counterfeit value in 2013 was Sh1.3 trillion, and it is expected to rise to Sh28 trillion by 2022. Mutahi wants the fight to be enhanced.