Anti-Counterfeit Authority destroys counterfeit goods in Mombasa

Some of the contraband goods seized in Mombasa destroyed ready for burning at a go-down in Mombasa County on Friday 13th March 2019. Anti-Counterfeit Agency confirmed the goods were worth Sh5 million and were seized from different business people in the County. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has destroyed an assortment of fake goods worth Sh5 million in Mombasa.

According to the chairman of the ACA Board, Ms Flora Mutahi, the condemned goods that were burnED at the Coast Clay Work in Changamwe, ranged from fast selling goods like footwear, clothing, electronic goods like circuit breakers, cosmetics and stationery, which were replicas of some popular local and international brands.

''This is a clear violation of the Anti -Counterfeit Act 2008 law of Kenya,'' said Mutahi. 

She said that ACA had taken adequate time 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 points 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 a long way in planting the seed of fear and uncertainty 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 programmes 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.

She 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 definitely 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.