Anti-Counterfeit Authority unveils strategic plan in war against counterfeits

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) on Thursday launched its third strategic plan for 2022/2023 to 2026/2027.

The plan is a revamped strategy to address key constraints in the war against counterfeits that were identified in the preceding 1^st and 2^nd strategic plans implemented in the last ten years.

Both events are significant to the authority as it delivers on its mandate of combating trade in counterfeit goods which undermines the trade industry and development agenda of the government.

The plan, which is a culmination of extensive engagement with internal and external stakeholders, aims to strengthen the Authority’s operational efficiency and effectiveness and improve its image as a formidable player in the battle against counterfeit goods.

This supports the economic growth in line with the Kenya Kwanza Government’s manifesto and priority.

The four strategic priorities outlined in the strategic plan are: Enhance strategic repositioning, re-engineer and deliver effective enforcement of intellectual property rights, foster data-driven planning research and policy and enhance institutional capacity and sustainability.  

The strategic plan has been aligned with the national action plan to combat illicit trade and the government’s policy to combat counterfeiting and other forms of illicit trade. It has been designed to make a significant contribution towards supporting local manufacturing in all sectors.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority is expected to release a report of its investigation into alleged property rights infringement by China Square. ACA had seized goods worth 50 Million from one stop shop China Square over property infringement. This after the business hub was accused of copyright infringement from Kenyan company Smith Mo that claimed ownership of the trademark of FINDER.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority Executive Director, Dr. Robi Mbugua says, “We had a directive from the president on what needs to be done. We are currently investigating and hope to resolve the matter by Friday. If there was any infringement of goods then the matter will be taken through the normal process”.

“We are running a program where every trader must register with KEBS to check whether your product is counterfeit or substandard. People should take this very seriously. You either pay the small fee or import goods and on arrival, it’s declared as counterfeit” spoke managing director Kenya Bureau of Standards KEBS.

The authority will continue to coordinate with national, regional and international law enforcement agencies on enforcement, public awareness and research to ensure that the vice is dealt with more sustainably and effectively.