Dr. Robi M. King'a - ED / CEO / (Secretary to the Board)

Dr. Robi is the Executive Director of ACA, the lead Kenyan government Agency mandated to combat counterfeiting and trade in counterfeit goods. The Authority is domiciled under State Department for Industry under the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI). Dr. King'a has over 20 years' experience gained in both public and private sectors. Previously, Dr. King'a served as the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP). He also served as board member of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Tom Mboya University and Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK).

Dr. King'a holds a PhD from KU, an MA and Postgraduate Diploma in Communication from the University of Nairobi; Masters in IP from Africa University (Zimbabwe); B. ED and LLB from Egerton and Mt. Kenya Universities respectively and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from KSL. He is also an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.

Dr John Akoten

Director, Research, Planning and Public Awareness

Anti-Counterfeit Authority

Dr. John Akoten currently serves as the Director for the Research, Planning, and Public Awareness Directorate, overseeing three departments: Research and Policy, Education and Public Awareness, and Planning and Quality Assurance. Previously, he held the position of Deputy Director for Research, Awareness, and Quality Assurance, and prior to that, he acted as the Executive Director of the Authority for nearly four years.

John has a wealth of experience as a policy and research analyst, with over 25 years of work in industrial matters across both private and public sectors. He has worked at Kenya’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research, and is now at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority. His responsibilities include involvement in intellectual property (IP) enforcement, research, and IP bilateral negotiations between Kenya and countries like the US and India.

One of his notable contributions includes his role in the preparation of the Private Sector Development Strategy (PSDS) and the Investment Climate Action Plan (ICAP). He also played a key part in reviewing the business licensing regime to make it more business-friendly.

Dr. Akoten holds a PhD and MSc in Development Economics from GRIPS, Japan, and a BSc in Horticulture from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology, Kenya.

Mr. Yussuf Osman Ahmed - Director Enforcement

Mr. Yussuf Osman Ahmed, the Director Enforcement of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in intellectual property rights enforcement and leadership. He has been with the Anti-Counterfeit Authority for over 12 years, starting his career as an Investigating Officer and Prosecutor within the Department of Weights and Measures under the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 1995. After graduating in 1999, he became a Weights and Measure officer before joining the ACA.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ahmed has held various roles within the ACA, starting as an Anti-Counterfeit Inspector II in 2010 and rising through the ranks to become the Regional Manager for Eldoret in 2016, then the Regional Manager for Mombasa in 2018. In these positions, he was responsible for regional supervision, enforcement activities, and stakeholder relationships, collaborating closely with other law enforcement agencies under a multi-agency framework against illicit trade.

Mr. Ahmed has made significant contributions to combating counterfeiting, handling numerous cases that resulted in successful convictions and significant fines. One notable case involved a motorcycle tube, where the accused was sentenced to three years in jail or a fine of eleven million Kenyan Shillings. Additionally, as a prosecutor, he secured convictions in four different cases, including one involving an Egg Incubator Machine, where the accused received a two-year jail term or a one-million-Kenyan-Shilling fine.

He also played a crucial role in investigating a case where a prominent Kenyan manufacturer was counterfeiting the famous trademark PUMA, which was later resolved through alternative dispute resolution with the court's permission (KENAFRIC CASE).

Mr. Ahmed holds a Bachelor of Education Science (Mathematics/Chemistry) from Kenya University, a Master's degree in Intellectual Property from Ankara University, Turkey, and a Diploma in Intellectual Property from Mount Kenya University. He also possesses advanced certificates in Trademark, Industrial Design, Geographical Indication, Copyright, and related Rights from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Furthermore, he has completed Strategic Leadership Development Program Training from the Kenya School of Government, along with other professional and management training certificates.

Mrs. Agnes Karingu - Deputy Director Education and Public Awareness.

Mrs. Agnes Karingu has a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as the Deputy Director of Education and Public Awareness at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA). With a career spanning over a decade, Ms. Karingu has held various positions within the ACA, including Manager and Assistant Director in the Education and Public Awareness docket since 2010.

During her tenure, Ms. Karingu undertook a special assignment as the Coordinator for the Multi-Agency Anti-Illicit Trade Outreach Program under the State Department for Trade, showcasing her strategic leadership and coordination skills in addressing complex trade challenges.

Prior to her work at the ACA, Agnes served as a Chief Livestock Officer and Lecturer within the Ministry of Livestock, where she contributed significantly to agricultural development and education. Her experience also extends to the education sector, having worked as a graduate teacher under the Teachers Service Commission. Furthermore, she has held various roles in the private sector, gaining valuable insights into business operations and management.

Education has been a cornerstone of Agnes's professional journey. She holds an Executive Masters in Business Administration, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and honing her managerial skills. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from Jomo Kenyatta University and University of Nairobi, showcasing her expertise in agricultural practices and policies.

Beyond her professional achievements, Agnes is also a devoted family woman, married, and a proud mother of three. Her dedication to her career, coupled with her academic qualifications and diverse experience, makes her a valuable asset to the ACA's efforts in promoting education, public awareness, and combating illicit trade.

Mary Mwakai Mwinga - Deputy Director Human Resource and Administration

Mary Mwinga is a highly experienced professional in human resource management, currently serving as the Deputy Director of Human Resource and Administration at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority. With a career spanning over 15 years, Mary has established herself as a strategic leader with a deep commitment to fostering a positive work environment and driving organizational development.

Mary's journey in human resources began at the Office of the President, where she worked as a Human Resource Management Officer, gaining valuable insights into government operations and employee relations. Her passion for HR led her to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), where she served as a Human Resources Practitioner, contributing significantly to the management of HR functions during crucial electoral events.

Transitioning to the National Biosafety Authority as the Head of Human Resources, Mary implemented robust HR policies and programs to support organizational growth and employee development. Her expertise in HR management continued to flourish, earning her a reputation for effective leadership and strategic HR planning.

Currently, as the Deputy Director of Human Resource and Administration at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Mary oversees all HR functions, ensuring the Authority's workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and resources to combat counterfeiting effectively.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mary is an active member of the Institute for Human Resource Management (IHRM), reflecting her commitment to the highest standards of HR professionalism and continuous learning. She holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the University of Nairobi, specializing in strategic development planning and organizational behavior. Mary also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Communication, providing her with a holistic understanding of social dynamics and effective communication strategies in the workplace.

Mary Mwinga's blend of academic excellence, hands-on experience, and membership in professional HR associations such as IHRM makes her an invaluable asset to the Anti-Counterfeit Authority and a respected leader in the field of human resource management in Kenya.

Mr. Lindsay Kipkemoi - Deputy Director Enforcement

As the Deputy Director of Enforcement at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Mr. Lindsay Kipkemoi plays a pivotal role in overseeing and managing investigations, security protocols, enforcement strategies, and compliance operations. With a wealth of experience spanning over 24 years, Lindsay brings a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of anti-counterfeiting measures, forensic investigations, and security management to his current position.

Lindsay holds a Master of Science degree in Governance, Peace, and Security Management from Africa Nazarene University, highlighting his expertise in strategic governance and security protocols. He also possesses a Bachelor of Science degree from Moi University and a Diploma in Forensic and Crime Scene Management from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation in Nairobi. As a member of the Kenya Professional Society of Criminologists, Lindsay is committed to upholding professional standards in the field of criminology and law enforcement.

His extensive career includes serving for eleven years at the Directorate of Criminal Investigation as the Deputy in Charge of the Forensic Investigation Department. During this time, he gained invaluable experience in managing complex investigations and forensic procedures. Subsequently, Lindsay spent seven years at the Rural Electrification Authority as the Chief Security Officer, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership in ensuring the security and compliance of organizational operations.

Lindsay's contributions extend beyond national borders, as he is a member of the Africa Regional Pharma Crime Working Group. This group consists of representatives from East African, South African, and West African countries, united in the fight against counterfeit medicines within the African continent.

In his current capacity as Deputy Director of Enforcement at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Lindsay's strategic leadership and comprehensive understanding of enforcement tactics are instrumental in combating counterfeit goods and protecting consumer rights. His dedication to advancing anti-counterfeiting efforts and promoting security measures makes him a respected authority in the field of enforcement and compliance operations.

Ms. Nelly Chepng'etich Deputy Director Planning and Quality Assurance

Ms. Nelly Chepng'etich currently holds the position of Deputy Director of Planning and Quality Assurance at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, a role she has diligently served in for the past eight months. In this capacity, she oversees the coordination of corporate strategic planning, performance contracting, and quality assurance management in compliance with ISO 9001:2015 standards.

Prior to her tenure at the Authority, CPA Nelly served as the Head of Strategy and Planning at the Commodities Fund, where she honed her skills in strategic planning and organizational development.

With over fifteen years of extensive experience in the Public Sector, CPA Nelly has held various leadership roles focusing on strategic planning, performance contracting, project management, and quality assurance, showcasing her versatile expertise and commitment to excellence.

CPA Nelly's academic qualifications include a Masters of Business Administration degree from Kenyatta University and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree from Kabarak University. She is also a proud member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), further attesting to her dedication to professional development and adherence to industry standards.

Mr. Henry Maina - Deputy Director Research

Mr. Henry Maina holds the position of Deputy Director Research at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, where he has been serving for the past 9 months. In his role, he is responsible for spearheading research initiatives and policy development within the organization.

Before joining the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Mr. Maina held several key positions in academia and non-governmental organizations. He served as an adjunct lecturer for Media Law at Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media Studies and the School of Journalism at the University of Nairobi. His expertise in media law and education has contributed significantly to shaping future professionals in the field.

Additionally, Mr. Maina served as the Regional Director for ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa from 2009 to 2019, where he championed freedom of expression and media rights in the region. Prior to that, he held the role of Deputy Executive Director at the Legal Resources Foundation from 2004 to 2009, demonstrating his commitment to legal advocacy and human rights.

Mr. Maina's academic qualifications include being a Chevening Scholar and holding a Master of Laws (LLM) Degree from the University of Warwick. He also earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree from Moi University.

With his diverse background in research, education, and advocacy, Mr. Henry Maina brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role in shaping research agendas and policy development at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.