Government intensifies crackdown on counterfeit goods
Business
By
David Njaaga
| May 10, 2024
Investment, Trade and Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has affirmed the government's commitment to intensify crackdowns on outlets vending counterfeit commodities.
She issued a stern warning to violators, stating they would be subjected to stringent legal repercussions.
Miano's statement comes in the wake of ongoing operations by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) across the country.
The CS said the government had made a conscious decision to eliminate all counterfeit goods from the market to protect legitimate manufacturers.
"We are going to be resolute from now on. Most Kenyans are unaware that these products pose a health risk. To foster fair trade, more raids will be conducted until the market is purged," she said.
READ MORE
Court calls out Ruto team for removing abduction victims from KCNHR list
Thailand teen shooter once brought BB gun to school: police
Japan nuclear debate unnerves proponents of pacifism
New financial scams are sweeping Kenya as authorities watch
Kisumu, Nairobi among worst users of development funds
Why KQ has canceled its Cape Town return flight
Curriculum delivery is a marathon, not a sprint
Recipe for rigging: Battle looms over plan to scrap IEBC's livestreaming of election results
Why Ruto rejected Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Kenya shines at Zone Individual Chess Championship in Ethiopia
Miano urged domestic producers and manufacturers to patent their brands, thereby gaining legal protection against counterfeiting.
She stressed the need for collaboration with all stakeholders and vigilance among Kenyans.
"Most of these items may seem inexpensive, but they lack quality. It is more prudent to invest in a durable product than to repeatedly return to the shop for the same item," she advised.
Miano also encouraged business people, particularly importers, to utilise Electronic Recordation declaration systems.
The automated platforms, employed by customs administration, manage and process import data, thereby enhancing the efficiency of customs operations.
According to Miano, there has been a rampant distribution of counterfeit products, prompting manufacturers to call on the anti-counterfeit agency to swiftly uphold the integrity of the market.