Anti Counterfeit Authority destroys counterfeit goods in Mombasa

Some of the Contraband goods seized in Mombasa. [File, Standard]

Anti Counterfeit Authority (ACA) over the weekend destroyed an assortment of counterfeit goods worth Sh5 million in Mombasa.

According to chair of the Board of ACA, Ms Flora Mutahi, the condemned goods that were destroyed through burning at the Coast Clay Works ,Changamwe, Mombasa County consisted of various items ranging from fast moving goods like footwear, clothing, electronic goods like circuit breakers ,cosmetics and stationaries, which were replicas of  some popular local and international  brands.

''This is a clear violation of the Anti -Counterfeit Act 2008 law of Kenya,'' Mutahi who was flanked by ACA CEO ,Mr Elama Halake and Mr Yusuf Osman, Coast Regional Manager said.

She said that they had taken their time out of a busy working schedule in Mombasa where the board is on a retreat to oversee the destruction of the counterfeited goods.

Mutahi added that continued impounding and destruction  of counterfeit goods that mostly find their way into the country through the various ports of entry  is proof of  ACA's seriousness and commitment to rid  the local market  of counterfeit products.

She expressed confidence that the series of high profile seizures being carried out by ACA  would go along way in planting the seed of  fear and uncertainity in the hearts  and minds of counterfeiters.

''We now have a road map to implement through  National Action Plan against illicit trade . I will be at the forefront to reinforce our institutional links. We at ACA want to further open up to the private sectors to assist  in law enforcement and consumer awareness programms to cut the demand side of counterfeiting,'' she said.

Mutahi appealed to stakeholders especially the brand owners to share knowledge , offer assistance and collaborate with enforcement  agencies  to achieve an environmental friendly  disposal  and destruction operation.

At the sametime, Mutahi said that ACA wants to send  the right message out there that Kenya has both  legal and institutional frameworks to fight counterfeits  and hence a conducive investment environment.

''With increased investment, Kenya will definately have a more vibrant and strong growing economy , employment and development. We also want to send a stern warning to counterfeiters  to cease and desist  from trade in counterfeit ,'' she added.