Nairobi, March 20th 2020: The Anti-Counterfeit Authority has today warned Kenyans to beware of the danger of counterfeit sanitizers and detergents in the market as the country takes preventive measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. The increased demand for these products poses an opportunity for criminals to capitalize on this vulnerability by selling counterfeit detergents and sanitizers.

The Executive Director, Anti-Counterfeit Authority Mr. Elema Halake said that some unscrupulous persons may take advantage of this situation to cash in on the Coronavirus pandemic to manufacture and trade in counterfeit sanitizers and detergents. The Authority is currently following some leads on suspected counterfeit sanitizers and detergents.

Mr. Halake encouraged Kenyans to be alert when buying these commodities. “We encourage Kenyans to beware and report any suspected cases to the Authority or any other law enforcement agency”.

This serves as a reminder that dealing in counterfeit goods is a criminal offence and is punishable by law. The Authority reassures members of the public that it remains vigilant to detect and seize any counterfeit sanitizers and detergents.

-ENDS-

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About Anti-Counterfeit Agency

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority was established under the Anti-Counterfeit Act 2008 as a State Corporation with the mandates to enlighten and inform the public on matters relating to counterfeiting, combat counterfeiting, trade and other dealings in counterfeit goods, devise and promote training programs to combat counterfeiting and co-ordinate with national, regional or international organizations involved in combating counterfeiting.
It is a state corporation currently within the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Trade. Although the Act was passed by Kenya’s Parliament in 2008, it came into force on 1st July 2009 with the principal aim of prohibiting trade in counterfeit goods. The Agency came into operation in June 2010.