SICPA’s fuel marking technology to boost Kenya’s war on illicit trade

The company has played a crucial role in tackling fuel fraud and enhancing revenue collection across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

The company has been active in Kenya since 2013, providing vital solutions to curb counterfeiting and fraud. 

Its Excisable Goods Management System (EGMS), implemented for the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), has been central in protecting excisable goods such as tobacco and alcohol from counterfeiting. 

This system has led to increased tax revenues and reduced the availability of counterfeit products in the market, safeguarding public health in the process.

 The firm has been working with Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to implement its Fuel Integrity Solution (FIS). This system ensures that fuel products in the Kenyan market remain authentic, curbing practices such as smuggling, adulteration, and tax evasion within the energy sector.

“SICPA’s highly resilient forensic markers can be detected in under five minutes, enabling authorities to effectively combat fuel fraud and ensure that consumers receive the product quality they expect” said Omar Messlem, Head of the Fuel Segment, SICPA.

SICPA’s presence in Kenya also supports broader efforts within the East African region, working with neighboring countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Malawi to secure key sectors from illicit trade.

“Our system provides key information on fuel consumption and risk patterns related to fraud detection, helping governments better manage their strategic oil reserves, reduce air pollution caused by substandard products, and safeguard their energy independence” explained  Messlem.

These developments come amid growing concerns over the economic impact of illicit trade in East Africa, where counterfeit products and fuel fraud continue to undermine legitimate industries and lead to significant tax losses.