Mombasa, 28^th August 2023.

Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA) have in meeting today agreed to strengthen collaboration with the government in combating international trade in counterfeit products. This was revealed after a fruitful meeting between the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Executive Director, Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, and KIFWA's National Chairman, Mr. Roy Mwanthi in Mombasa.  

The upshot of the meeting was formation of a strategic alliance focusing on raising awareness about the perils of counterfeiting and training members on matters dealing with trade in counterfeits. This is aimed at safeguarding legitimate international trade practices and building a network of informed members in the freight and forwarding industry operating in the country.  

The fact that most of Kenya’s international trade is largely moved via ocean and air and this means more regulatory and collaboration steps are needed to ensure integrity by the shippers and logistics providers.

According to the latest analysis of goods seized and stored at the Counterfeit Deports of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority for counterfeiting; over 80 % of the items were imported into the country mainly through the sea port of Mombasa or through porous borders with the rest emanating from local production.

The ACA Executive Director Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, welcomed the partnership, stating that, "Through combined efforts and uniting our strengths, we are poised to create an ecosystem where legitimate trade thrives, counterfeit activities are curtailed, and consumers can trust the products they purchase."

Dr. Robi Mbugua added that the Authority was currently implementing the Intellectual Property Rights recordation strategy to address vulnerability of counterfeit imports. Under the program, the agency intends to expand its risk management and enforcement capabilities to deter entry of Intellectual property violating goods.

The KIFWA National Chairman Mr. Roy Mwanthi said his members were ready collaborate with government agencies to comply with the law and promote legitimate trade in their trade.   “Through this partnership with ACA and other government agencies, we look forward to enhanced capacity building of our members on the latest legal and regulatory issues in order fortify legitimate trade and set a precedent for secure and authentic trade in the region."

This collaborative effort between ACA and KIFWA signifies a commitment to securing Kenya's trade landscape from counterfeit threats while fostering an environment that promotes authenticity, innovation, and trust. The partnership is poised drive legitimate trade and protect consumers from the harmful imports of counterfeit products.