Kenyans will soon have an easier way to verify product authenticity before buying after the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) unveiled a new digital verification system aimed at curbing the sale of counterfeit goods.
The platform was launched on Thursday during World Anti-Counterfeiting Day celebrations in Nairobi and is expected to give consumers a simple way of confirming whether products are genuine before making a purchase.
According to ACA Chief Executive Officer Robi King’a, the initiative is part of the authority’s broader efforts to protect consumers and legitimate businesses from the growing threat posed by counterfeit products.
The digital security system will initially be rolled out in sectors that have been hardest hit by counterfeit goods, including pharmaceuticals, agricultural inputs, cosmetics and alcoholic beverages.
King’a said the technology is expected to boost consumer confidence while helping manufacturers and traders safeguard their brands against counterfeiters.
He also underscored the importance of public awareness in tackling the illegal trade.
“Awareness creation can suppress the demand for counterfeit goods in our market. The other one is also to carry out raids on suspected counterfeit goods,” he said.
The ACA boss noted that the authority has made significant progress in enforcing anti-counterfeit laws since it was established.
“Since the formation of this authority, we have managed to seize goods worth KSh400 billion and destroyed counterfeit goods worth KSh200 million, and we continue doing this to protect consumers and protect brand owners,” he said.
Beyond the digital verification system, ACA is pursuing legal reforms aimed at strengthening enforcement against counterfeit products sold through online platforms and across borders as more traders shift to digital marketplaces.
The latest announcement comes days after the authority warned businesses dealing in counterfeit products that it would intensify enforcement operations across the country.
On June 10, ACA said its inspectors have powers under the Anti-Counterfeit Act, 2008, to enter premises, conduct searches and seize suspected counterfeit goods without first obtaining a court order.
The authority, however, maintained that while a court order is not required to seize counterfeit goods, investigations and any subsequent legal proceedings must follow the provisions of the law.
ACA has also urged manufacturers, traders and consumers to familiarise themselves with the Anti-Counterfeit Act to support efforts to curb the circulation of fake products in the market.
For consumers, the new electronic authentication system is expected to provide an additional layer of protection amid growing concerns over counterfeit medicines, agricultural inputs and household products.
