MOMBASA. Kenya – More than 50 enforcement officers from key regulatory agencies in Kenya and East Africa have undergone specialized training to combat counterfeit STIHL power saw machines and accessories at the Port of Mombasa and along the Northern Corridor Transit Route.

The two-day product authentication training, held on March 11-12, 2025, at Hotel Sapphire in Mombasa, was organized by Olith Afrique Limited, representing the STIHL brand, in collaboration with the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA). The training brought together officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Kenya Bureau of Standards KEBS) (and the ACA. Regional partners from the Joint Port Control Unit (JPCU) and customs officials from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo also participated.

Speaking at the training, Mr. Osman Yusuf, Director of Enforcement at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, emphasized the critical role of brand owners in supporting enforcement efforts through specialized education.

“Counterfeiters are continuously evolving their tactics, making it imperative that customs and enforcement officers are well-trained in detecting fake products. Brand owners must actively engage in equipping officers with the technical knowledge necessary to protect markets from infiltration by counterfeit goods,” he stated.

In attendance the ACA’s Coastal Regional Manager, Mr. Ibrahim Bulle, underscored the importance of sustained training and inter-agency collaboration, noting that counterfeit trade undermines revenue collection, endangers public safety, and hampers industrial growth.

The training was led by Ms. Lucia Ayanda the Product Manager from Andrea Stihl AG & Co., who provided a detailed analysis of genuine STIHL product security features, the latest counterfeiting tactics, and advanced authentication techniques.

“Many counterfeit products appear deceptively similar to the original. Without proper training, even experienced officers may struggle to differentiate them. Our goal is to enhance the skills of enforcement agencies so they can intercept counterfeits before they enter the market,” she explained.

The training aligns with broader efforts to strengthen regional collaboration in fighting illicit trade, particularly at the Port of Mombasa - East Africa’s largest import gateway. Counterfeit goods, which often move undetected through major trade routes, pose a significant threat to consumer safety, tax revenue collection, and fair business competition.
Authorities expect that equipping enforcement officers with enhanced authentication skills will lead to increased seizure rates of counterfeit products, safeguarding both consumers and legitimate businesses. The Anti-Counterfeit Authority has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the private sector and regional law enforcement agencies to intensify the crackdown on illicit trade across East Africa.