Agency warns Kenyans to beware of counterfeit goods this festive season

Members of the public have been urged to be on the lookout for counterfeit goods flooding the market during this festive season.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has warned that the problem worsens during the holidays, as heightened consumer demand creates opportunities for counterfeiters to exploit unsuspecting buyers.

ACA Executive Director Robi Njoroge reiterated that counterfeit goods, which imitate genuine products but fail to meet safety and quality standards, remain a significant threat to consumers.

“From electronics and toys to beauty products, medicines, and even food, these fake goods not only harm consumers but also undermine the economy, public health, and safety,” he said.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the global trade in counterfeit goods accounts for approximately 3.3 per cent of world trade, valued at over $500 billion annually.

Njoroge noted that the situation in Kenya is equally concerning, with an estimated 30 per cent of goods in the market believed to be counterfeit.

“Counterfeit electronics, for instance, can overheat or cause fires. Fake toys may contain harmful chemicals. Counterfeit medicines and cosmetics are often riddled with harmful substances. Fake medicines, apparel, and electronics can cause severe health complications among many other deleterious effects,” Njoroge said.

While the government has regulations in place, Njoroge emphasised that more must be done to address the issue.

He urged regulatory agencies such as the ACA, Kenya Police, and the Kenya Bureau of Standards to strengthen collaboration in enforcement, including inspections, raids, and market surveillance.

He also highlighted the need to extend these efforts to online platforms, which have increasingly become a hotspot for counterfeit sales.

Njoroge stressed that public education is critical in the fight against counterfeit products, empowering consumers to identify fake goods and make informed decisions. He linked consumer behaviour to the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), which suggests that attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioural control influence purchasing decisions.

“Consumers, driven by a desire for bargains, may prioritise cost over quality, inadvertently buying counterfeit goods. Others may succumb to peer recommendations or lack the tools to verify product authenticity,” Njoroge said.

He added that the ACA is addressing these challenges through awareness campaigns aimed at shifting consumer attitudes and equipping the public with practical strategies to detect counterfeit products.

Njoroge further noted that counterfeiting extends beyond economic concerns, posing a security threat. He explained that the production and sale of counterfeit goods often fund organised crime networks, destabilising governance and security across regions.

“In East Africa, counterfeit supply chains exploit porous borders to facilitate illicit trade, which can intersect with other criminal activities, including trafficking and terrorism,” he said.

To counter these challenges, Njoroge called for a multi-faceted approach involving government agencies, businesses, and security professionals. He highlighted the importance of adopting anti-counterfeit technologies such as holograms, RFID tags, and blockchain systems to trace and verify product authenticity.

“Security teams must remain vigilant and trained to spot counterfeit goods and act swiftly to remove them from circulation,” he said.

Njoroge also emphasised the importance of partnerships between the ACA, law enforcement, and retailers to disrupt counterfeit supply chains and protect consumers.

“As we approach the end of the year, I call upon all stakeholders, including retailers, security professionals, and consumers alike, to remain vigilant. By working together, we can safeguard public health and safety, protect the economy, and ensure that counterfeit goods are kept out of the marketplace. Let us make this holiday season secure and joyful for all,” he said.