ACA Engages BCCK on Strengthening Collaboration in the Fight Against Counterfeit Trade

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) engaged the British Chamber of Commerce Kenya (BCCK) in a roundtable discussion aimed at strengthening collaboration in the fight against counterfeit trade.

The engagement brought together key public and private sector stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting businesses and consumers, including border control gaps, enforcement coordination, digital counterfeiting, and the protection of intellectual property rights.

The British Chamber of Commerce Kenya is a business membership organisation that brings together over 300 active members, including FTSE 100 companies as well as micro, small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Kenya. The Chamber represents a significant number of the more than 150 UK companies in the country, supported by a strong and growing Kenya–UK trade relationship valued at approximately £1.8 billion.

Key goods exported from the United Kingdom to Kenya include motor vehicles, mechanical and industrial equipment, refined petroleum products, beverages, and tobacco. These sectors are critical to trade and investment and are among those most vulnerable to counterfeit trade, with direct implications for consumer safety, brand protection, and fair competition in the market.

Giving his opening remarks, the Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Dr. Robi M. King’a, emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the growing threat of counterfeit trade and noted the significance of BCCK in Kenya’s business landscape.

“The British Chamber of Commerce Kenya represents an important network of businesses, investors and brands whose contribution to trade, investment and economic growth in Kenya is significant. Its membership reflects a strong commercial relationship between Kenya and the United Kingdom, and that is why this engagement is important in promoting a fair, trusted and well-protected marketplace,” he said.

Dr. King’a further noted that counterfeit trade continues to undermine legitimate businesses, distort fair competition, and expose consumers to serious risks, making stronger collaboration between government and the private sector essential in safeguarding trade and protecting market integrity.

The discussions highlighted the importance of increased uptake of intellectual property recordation, stronger intelligence-sharing, and enhanced coordination among enforcement agencies in addressing counterfeit trade.

Participants also emphasized the need for continuous stakeholder training, sustained research to support data-driven strategies and policy development, and ongoing public awareness to empower consumers and promote compliance.

Director of Enforcement at ACA, Mrs. Yusuf Osman, noted that partnerships remain critical in strengthening enforcement outcomes.

“Effective enforcement requires strong collaboration, timely intelligence, and a shared commitment across all stakeholders. By working together, we can significantly reduce the flow of counterfeit goods into the market and protect both businesses and consumers,” she said.

The engagement reaffirmed ACA’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders to protect intellectual property rights, support legitimate trade, and uphold the integrity of Kenya’s market.