ACA destroys counterfeit goods worth Ksh 27M in Athi River

Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) together with the multi-agency enforcement team on counterfeit goods Thursday destroyed counterfeit goods with Ksh 27M in Athi River.

The counterfeit goods comprised of many assorted items ranging from fast-moving consumer goods like clothing, footwear, alcohol, electrical goods and apparel among others which were replicas of a popular local and international brand.

According to ACA Executive Director Elema Halake, this makes a critical step in the continuous effort of fighting counterfeit products in the country.

“This underscores our serious commitment to rid the local markets of fake brands that are not fit for human consumption,” he said.

“This is a significant milestone for the Authority. Through a very thorough exercise that took place over a long period of time, we were able to work closely with other enforcement teams and nab these goods. Counterfeit products are not fit for human consumption. Today’s initiative goes a long way to contribute to the National Action Plan against counterfeiting and illicit trade in the country,” noted Halake.

The world celebrates Anti-Counterfeit Day every first week of June yearly, this makes the move by ACA a timely initiative.

On her part, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina noted that as a Government, “we are on a daily basis fighting the war on illicit trade and counterfeit products as it has a big hit in genuine economic activity, contributes to reduced essential tax revenue, impacts on foreign direct investment prospects and contributes to serious health risks.”