Speaking during the celebration of World Anti-Counterfeiting Day in Nairobi, ACA Executive Director Robie Kinga said that the Agency is implementing digital safeguards to allow consumers to verify the authenticity of goods before purchasing.
The new system will initially target high-risk sectors, including pharmaceuticals, agricultural resources, cosmetics, and alcoholic beverages, which have been most severely affected by counterfeit products. Kinga noted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen consumer protection and protect legitimate businesses from unfair competition from counterfeit dealers.
The Office is also seeking legislative reforms to strengthen the fight against counterfeit goods sold through online platforms and cross-border channels, reflecting the changing nature of illicit trade. «Raising awareness can reduce the demand for counterfeit goods in our market. Another measure is conducting raids to identify suspicious counterfeit products. Since the establishment of this body, we have been able to seize 400 billion Kenyan shillings worth of goods and destroy 200 million worth of counterfeit products, and we continue to do this to protect consumers and brand owners», Kinga said. The announcement came just a week after the ACA warned of nationwide raids on businesses involved in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of counterfeit products.
On June 10, 2026, the Department clarified that its inspectors, in accordance with the 2008 Anti-Counterfeiting Act, have the legal authority to enter premises, conduct searches, and seize suspicious goods without first obtaining a court order. According to the ACA, the law gives inspectors the right to take action, subject to due process during investigations and subsequent court proceedings. «A court decision is not required to seize counterfeit goods, but due process is applied throughout the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings», stated the Department. The agency called on merchants, manufacturers, and the public to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Anti-Counterfeiting Law in order to avoid violating the law.
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