Government intensifies crackdown on counterfeit goods
Business
By
David Njaaga
| May 10, 2024
Investment, Trade and Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has affirmed the government’s commitment to intensify crackdowns on outlets vending counterfeit commodities.
She issued a stern warning to violators, stating they would be subjected to stringent legal repercussions.
Miano’s statement comes in the wake of ongoing operations by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) across the country.
The CS said the government had made a conscious decision to eliminate all counterfeit goods from the market to protect legitimate manufacturers.
“We are going to be resolute from now on. Most Kenyans are unaware that these products pose a health risk. To foster fair trade, more raids will be conducted until the market is purged,” she said.
READ MORE
Man in court seeking to recall lawmakers to finalise Finance Bill
Treasury faces looming budget crisis in the wake of Gen Z uprising
Austria seek to turn up the heat against Turkey
Euro 2024: Costa penalty heroics rescue Ronaldo as Portugal edge past Slovenia
Euro 2024: Portugal beat Slovenia on penalties to reach quarter-finals
Protests by young generation are inspired by dashed hopes
Finance Bill cannot become law by lapse of time, says Wetangula
Inside Pan-African human rights defenders' letter to President Ruto
Why addressing Gen Z's cry against unjust systems requires more than short-term fixes
Miano urged domestic producers and manufacturers to patent their brands, thereby gaining legal protection against counterfeiting.
She stressed the need for collaboration with all stakeholders and vigilance among Kenyans.
“Most of these items may seem inexpensive, but they lack quality. It is more prudent to invest in a durable product than to repeatedly return to the shop for the same item,” she advised.
Miano also encouraged business people, particularly importers, to utilise Electronic Recordation declaration systems.
The automated platforms, employed by customs administration, manage and process import data, thereby enhancing the efficiency of customs operations.
According to Miano, there has been a rampant distribution of counterfeit products, prompting manufacturers to call on the anti-counterfeit agency to swiftly uphold the integrity of the market.
- Treasury faces looming budget crisis in the wake of Gen Z uprising
- To pacify Gen Z, we have to right our economic wrongs
- 'I'm defenseless to protect my properties': Oscar Sudi suspends political activities amid chaos
- Fresh blow to Del Monte as more UK stores boycott products