The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) on Tuesday, May 16, exposed underhand dealings that contribute to loss of Ksh100 billion annually.
In a meeting with different stakeholders, the authority indicated that the government lost billions through the proliferation of illegal trade in Kenya and the East African countries.
According to the ACA, various traders had devised dubious means of bypassing importation rules, costing the country Ksh100 billion annually in losses.
Among the ways identified by the authority included traders sneaking counterfeit goods through porous border points.
The counterfeit goods were also making their way into other East African Countries within the Northern Corridor, affecting revenue collection and standardisation of commodities.
Following the surge, ACA and Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen strategic collaboration between the two parties and deter illegitimate shipments of counterfeit and illicit goods in the region.
"The MoU represents a statement of mutual intentions between our two institutions focusing on developing and strengthening a robust system to deter trade in counterfeits," ACA chairman of the Board of Directors Josephat Kabeabea stated.
"Combating counterfeits in the region and along the Northern Corridor requires collaborative leadership and action by regional institutions and governments," the Northern Corridor boss insisted.
Besides signing the agreement, the Anti counterfeit Authority of Kenya implored the development partners and other East African states to streamline laws against counterfeit, smuggling and illicit trade.
ACA insisted that illegal businesses were affecting fair trade in the region, noting their disparity would pose a great threat towards the successful implementation of the MOU.
To further address the proliferation of outlawed trade, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation launched an operation targeting various unscrupulous dealers.
On Tuesday, May 16, DCI Economic Crime Unit seized a track full of sneaked milk powder at a godown in a Nairobi estate. The counterfeit goods were valued at Ksh75 million.
