Government Strengthens Multi-Agency Collaboration to Combat Counterfeiting in Nakuru County

The Principal Secretary, State Department for Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, PhD, CBS, today presided over the Nakuru County Stakeholders Forum on Counterfeiting and Illicit Trade, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to protecting industries, safeguarding jobs, and strengthening market integrity.

The forum, convened by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), brought together national and county leadership, enforcement agencies, private sector representatives, business associations, and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) in a coordinated effort to address the growing threat of counterfeit and illicit trade.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Mukhwana underscored the direct link between industry protection and job creation.

“Counterfeiting and illicit trade pose a serious threat to our industrialization agenda. They undermine legitimate manufacturers, erode government revenue, distort fair competition, and ultimately destroy jobs. Protecting our industries is therefore not merely an enforcement function , it is an economic imperative tied to employment creation and national growth.”

He called for sustained collaboration between national government institutions, county governments, and the private sector to ensure a fair and predictable business environment for compliant enterprises.

The Chairman of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority Board, Hon. Nelson Gaichuhie, emphasized the importance of governance and market discipline in sustaining investor confidence.

“Market integrity is fundamental to economic stability and investor trust. When counterfeit goods infiltrate our markets, they penalize compliant businesses and discourage investment. As a Board, we are committed to strengthening oversight and governance frameworks that enhance enforcement while ensuring that legitimate trade is protected and facilitated.”

The Executive Director of ACA, Dr. Robi M. King’a, PhD, highlighted the magnitude of the counterfeit threat both globally and nationally.

“The global counterfeit economy is valued at over USD 500 billion. In Kenya, we are estimated to lose approximately KES 153 billion annually across critical sectors including health, agriculture, construction, electronics and consumer goods. These losses translate into weakened industries, reduced tax revenue, lost employment opportunities, and serious risks to public safety.”

He reiterated that ACA’s mandate balances enforcement with facilitation of lawful enterprise.

“Our role is not only to disrupt illicit trade networks, but also to protect and facilitate legitimate trade. Every counterfeit product removed from the market creates space for compliant businesses to expand and create jobs. This fight cannot be won in isolation — strong collaboration at the county level is essential.”

Nakuru County Commissioner, Dr. Loyford Kibaara, reaffirmed the commitment of the National Government Administration Officers to support coordinated enforcement at the grassroots.

“Through strengthened multi-agency coordination and the support of NGAOs, we will continue to safeguard legitimate businesses and ensure that illicit trade does not undermine economic activity within Nakuru County. Sustained action at the local level is critical to achieving lasting results.”

The Chairman of the Media Council of Kenya, Mr. Maina Muiruri, underscored the role of the media in promoting public awareness and responsible consumer behavior.

“Counterfeit trade thrives where there is limited public awareness and misinformation. Through ethical and responsible reporting, the media can educate consumers, expose illicit networks, and support institutions working to protect legitimate enterprise. An informed public is one of the strongest defenses against illicit trade.”

The forum concluded with a collective commitment to enhance intelligence sharing, strengthen enforcement coordination, expand public awareness initiatives, and deepen collaboration between national and county governments.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority reaffirmed that sustained multi-sector engagement remains critical in safeguarding Kenya’s industries, protecting jobs, and ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace.