ACA Unveils Anti-Counterfeit Security Mark as Kenya Steps Up Fight Against Fake Goods
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, June 17, 2026 — The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has unveiled a new anti-counterfeit security marking system and signed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders as Kenya intensifies efforts to curb the growing trade in counterfeit goods.
The announcement was made during the commemoration of World Anti-Counterfeiting Day 2026 in Nairobi, where government officials, industry leaders, intellectual property rights holders, procurement professionals and enforcement agencies gathered to discuss new ways of tackling the counterfeit menace.
The event, held under the theme “Leveraging Strategic Partnerships to Combat Counterfeiting,” focused on strengthening collaboration to protect consumers, safeguard legitimate businesses and enhance market integrity.
Speaking during the commemoration, ACA Chairman Hon. Nelson Gaichuhie announced the operationalization of the Anti-Counterfeit Security Device regime under Section 34B of the Anti-Counterfeit Act. The initiative will introduce a tamper-evident and digitally verifiable security mark that will enable consumers, regulators and enforcement officers to easily distinguish genuine products from counterfeit ones.
“The mark is not bureaucracy. The mark is a promise — to the mother, to the patient, to the farmer and to the driver. Where the counterfeit hides, the genuine must shine,” said Gaichuhie.
He noted that the first phase of implementation will target products that directly affect public health and safety, including pharmaceuticals, alcoholic beverages, agro-inputs, cosmetics, food products, bottled water, edible oils, electrical components and automotive safety parts.
ACA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robi M. King’a said counterfeiting has evolved beyond a commercial and intellectual property issue and now poses a serious threat to lives, livelihoods and public confidence.
“Counterfeiting is not just an economic crime; it is a direct threat to lives, livelihoods and public trust. Behind every counterfeit product is a consumer who believed a label, trusted a brand and expected safety. Our duty is to ensure that every Kenyan can buy a product with confidence,” he said.
Dr. King’a observed that counterfeit trade has become increasingly sophisticated, with criminals exploiting digital platforms and online marketplaces to distribute fake products.
“The counterfeit market has evolved from backroom trading to digital platforms and smartphones. Enforcement must therefore evolve with equal speed, using intelligence, technology and strategic partnerships to protect consumers in both physical and online marketplaces,” he said.
At the same time, the ACA boss highlighted the Authority’s ongoing enforcement efforts, revealing that counterfeit goods worth more than KSh500 million have been seized during the current financial year.
He attributed the seizures to intensified intelligence-led operations, stronger border surveillance, enhanced inter-agency cooperation and sustained public awareness campaigns.
“Every seizure, every prosecution and every awareness campaign is part of a broader national effort to protect consumers, legitimate businesses and Kenya’s economy. We owe Kenyans a market that is safe, genuine and fair,” he added.
Dr. King’a also emphasized the importance of product knowledge and brand identification training for enforcement officers, saying it strengthens investigations, prosecutions and consumer protection efforts.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ACA and REACT, an international anti-counterfeiting organization. The agreement seeks to enhance cooperation in intellectual property protection, intelligence sharing, capacity building and enforcement operations.
The Authority also signed a Collaboration Framework with the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) to strengthen procurement controls, improve supply chain integrity and promote responsible sourcing practices aimed at keeping counterfeit products out of both public and private supply chains.
Stakeholders welcomed the partnerships, describing them as critical steps in addressing the changing nature of counterfeit trade.
BIC East Africa Marketing Manager Salome Ngugi called for stronger cooperation across the entire value chain, saying manufacturers, distributors, retailers, policymakers, enforcement agencies and consumers all have a role to play.
“There is a tremendous opportunity to deepen partnerships in the fight against counterfeiting. By working together, we can strengthen consumer protection, safeguard intellectual property rights and promote a marketplace built on authenticity and trust,” she said.
Kenya Association of Manufacturers Chief Executive Officer Tobias Alando praised ACA for its continued collaboration with industry and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting anti-counterfeit initiatives.
“KAM commends the Anti-Counterfeit Authority for the years of collaboration in protecting legitimate businesses and consumers. We remain committed to working with ACA in the fight against counterfeits,” he said.
REACT Director Rabia Turnbull noted that counterfeiters have adapted to technological changes and increasingly operate through digital channels, making intelligence sharing and coordinated action more important than ever.
“Through training, intelligence reporting and collaboration, we can better detect, disrupt and prevent counterfeit networks,” she said.
KISM Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Matiba emphasized the role of procurement and supply chain management in preventing counterfeit products from reaching consumers.
“Responsible procurement practices require the support of government and key enforcement agencies to ensure that public and private supply chains are protected from counterfeit and substandard products,” he said.
During the event, participants also visited exhibition booths where brand owners demonstrated how consumers can identify genuine products and avoid counterfeit goods. The exhibitions provided practical lessons on product authentication and highlighted the importance of consumer awareness in the fight against counterfeiting.
As the celebrations came to a close, ACA said the partnerships signed with REACT and KISM reflected the central message of this year’s World Anti-Counterfeiting Day: that defeating counterfeit trade requires a united effort involving government agencies, rights holders, industry players, procurement professionals, development partners and consumers.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers, defending intellectual property rights, promoting fair trade and working with partners to build a counterfeit-free Kenya.
