ACA to intensify consumer education

The Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA) is planning to intensify consumer education and punitive measures on infringement of intellectual property laws

The State agency Friday announced it will soon begin interrogations on how best to address the changing face of counterfeiting in the market.

ACA Executive Director Elema Halake said that fighting the illicit trade should go beyond the protection of industries and manufacturers to the protection of human life and safety.

“We will spearhead the review of intellectual property laws and regulations to make them more deterrent to tame dynamics of counterfeiting in the market,” he said.

He spoke at the Export Processing Zone in Athi River where assorted fake goods ranging from electronic goods to clothing, cosmetics, petroleum products and vehicle spare parts worth Sh24 million were destroyed.

Worrying trend

Such goods may cause unwanted fires, accidents and machine breakages that might cause injury or death as well as environmental degradation.

“This is a worrying trend that we vow to eliminate in this country as we address both locally-made counterfeits and the imports,” said Mr Halake.

ACA will conduct training and awareness campaigns targeting stakeholders such as learning institutions, enforcement agencies and business organisations to influence consumers to shun counterfeits.

“This will also enhance collaborative efforts towards enforcement, public awareness and research-related activities. We want consumers to know counterfeit goods are dangerous and are of no value to them,” said the CEO.

Industry Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed said the Government is committed to adding more enforcement officers to help crack down on counterfeiters.