Everyone has a role in fighting counterfeit excisable products

Commissioner of Domestic Taxes Department, KRA - Ms Rispah Simiyu [File]

The excisable goods sector is one of the most robust and fastest-growing that support the economy. This sector has continued to register growth despite the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The growth is both at the industry level and in revenue coffers. The duty levied on excisable products constitutes one of the major revenue streams in Kenya.

The robust growth in the excisable goods sector witnessed over the past years has rendered the sector vulnerable to counterfeiting. Some excisable goods prone to counterfeiting include cigarettes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The illicit trade involving counterfeit and contraband excisable products accounts for a substantial loss of government revenue.