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Anti-Counterfeit Authority Executive Director Dr. Robi M. King'a Elected Vice-Chair of WIPO Advisory Committee on Enforcement, Cementing Kenya's Global Role
Dr. Robi M. King'a, Executive Director of Kenya's Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), was today unanimously elected as one of two Vice-Chairs of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Advisory Committee on Enforcement (ACE).
The election took place today during the 18th Session of the ACE, which runs from 2nd to 4th June 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. The unanimous decision by member states reflects growing recognition of Kenya's role in advancing intellectual property enforcement on the international stage.
The Advisory Committee on Enforcement was established by the WIPO General Assemblies in 2002 with a mandate to carry out technical assistance and coordination in the field of intellectual property enforcement. The Committee convenes participants from across the globe, with each session drawing more than 200 representatives from WIPO member states alongside observers, including the African Union and the European Union.
Dr. King'a's appointment positions Kenya, through the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, to contribute directly to shaping the agenda and outcomes of the Committee. His election underscores the country's commitment to strengthening enforcement frameworks and combating counterfeiting and intellectual property infringement both regionally and internationally. The next 19th session of the ACE will be held in 2027.
As part of World Environment Day celebrations, the Anti‑Counterfeit Authority (ACA) recently carried out a large‑scale tree‑planting and consumer‑awareness initiative at Butere Boys and Butere Girls schools. The two‑day effort engaged more than 5,000 students and saw over 1,530 tree seedlings planted, alongside donations of water storage tanks and an intensive programme on environmental stewardship and consumer protection.
World Environment Day is an annual global platform led by the United Nations Environment Programme to inspire awareness and action for the planet. In 2026, the campaign urges everyone to act #NowForClimate, asking what positive signal we will send back to an Earth already sending us warnings. The global theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” emphasises that urgent climate action, ecosystem restoration and sustainable living are essential for a safer planet. ACA’s initiative echoed this call. By planting tree species such as podocarpus, grevillea, ashoka and Elgon teak alongside fruit‑bearing trees like mangoes, avocados, pawpaws and berries, the programme aimed to enhance biodiversity, prevent soil erosion and provide long‑term nutritional and economic benefits to the schools and surrounding communities. The addition of 6,500 litres of water storage capacity further supports the survival of these trees in a region where water security is a pressing challenge.
The event was more than a planting exercise. ACA’s cross‑departmental team delivered sessions on the agency’s mandate and practical tips for identifying counterfeit goods. Henry Maina OGW, ACA’s deputy director of research, described the approach as a “fundamental shift” in community engagement, noting that the organisation was “planting seeds of awareness about consumer protection and the importance of authenticity in every product students purchase.” Leadership at both schools underscored the long‑term impact of the initiative. Prof. Linda Zalo of Butere Girls highlighted how the trees would provide fruit and shade for decades, transforming the campus and deepening students’ connection to sustainability. Habil Malik, chief principal of Butere Boys, stressed that environmental action isn’t the sole responsibility of governments and NGOs; it is something students and communities can undertake themselves.
World Environment Day reminds us that each step towards climate action counts. ACA’s integrated approach combining tree planting, infrastructure support and consumer education offers a model for corporate social responsibility that addresses multiple societal challenges simultaneously. By sourcing seedlings from local community forest groups, the authority also supported grassroots environmental initiatives and ensured species diversity. Student reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed surprise at how meaningful tree planting could be and came away with a greater appreciation of how everyday choices whether buying authentic products or protecting the environment, shapes the future.
The 2026 World Environment Day theme reminds us that nature is central to climate resilience and that every community has a role to play. ACA’s initiative demonstrates how government agencies can integrate environmental stewardship with their core mandates. As the 1,530 saplings take root, they stand as living symbols of a broader commitment to sustainability and consumer empowerment, reflecting the global message that our actions today determine the planet we will inhabit tomorrow.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority has called on the media to play a more deliberate role in the fight against counterfeiting, noting that fake goods, piracy, and intellectual property violations thrive where deception is allowed to take root.
Speaking during the Annual Pan-African Media Summit held at Safari Park Hotel & Casino in Nairobi, ACA Executive Director Dr. Robi M. King’a, PhD, said counterfeiting should not only be viewed as a market or enforcement issue, but also as an information problem that directly affects public trust.
“A fake product enters the market through a false claim. It survives through deception. It grows when trust is abused. That is why the media sits at the centre of trust,” Dr. King’a said.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has impounded suspected counterfeit mobile phone LCD screens valued at approximately Ksh 36 million in an enforcement operation at Simara Mall along Accra Road in Nairobi's Central Business District.
The raid was conducted following a formal complaint lodged with the Authority by the affected Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) owner, whose registered trademarks were being infringed upon by the goods on sale at the premises.
Acting on the complaint and supporting intelligence, ACA enforcement officers recovered more than 40,000 assorted LCD screen products from premises operated by the suspect named in the seizure documents. A Chinese national, Mr. Huang Zhigang, was arrested in connection with the consignment and is currently being held at Nairobi Central Police Station as investigations continue.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) today brought its workforce together for an HIV awareness and mental health sensitization session held at the Authority's headquarters. The forum, organised by the in-house HIV Committee, drew staff from every department for a frank, fact-based conversation on prevention, testing, stigma and overall well-being.
Facilitated by guest health experts, the interactive session focused on the realities of HIV in Kenya today — including the latest national statistics and the counties with the highest infection rates, drawing on studies by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council. Participants explored risk factors, the main sources of new infections, the natural history of HIV, and the science behind modern HIV testing kits, with a practical demonstration of how the kits work.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority - Kenya Executive Director, Dr. Robi M. King'a , PhD, is participating in the International Trademark Association (INTA) Conference at ExCeL London, where he is representing Kenya in high-level engagements on trademark protection, intellectual property enforcement, and the global fight against counterfeiting.
During the conference, Dr. Robi M. King'a delivered a presentation on the role and mandate of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority - Kenya to trademark and intellectual property professionals drawn from more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide. His engagements focused on strengthening international cooperation, sharing Kenya’s enforcement experience, and contributing to discussions on emerging enforcement challenges, including the safe destruction of hazardous counterfeit goods that require specialised treatment facilities.
Efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit and counterfeit alcoholic brews in Kenya came into focus today as the Anti-Counterfeit Authority - Kenya appeared before Parliament to contribute to discussions arising from a public petition on illegal alcoholic brews.
The Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority - Kenya , Robi M. King'a ,PhD, appeared before the National Assembly Public Petitions Committee at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi, in response to summons on Public Petition No. 2 of 2026 regarding the production, distribution and consumption of illegal alcoholic brews in the country.
He was accompanied by Dr. John Akoten, Director – Research, Policy and Quality Assurance Department (RePPAD), Henry Maina,OGW , Deputy Director – Research and Policy, and Jully Omollo, Ag. Deputy Director – Legal Services.
A multi-agency enforcement team has seized 250 bags of suspected counterfeit fertilizer in Kakamega County, in a major operation targeting illegal agricultural inputs at a critical time for farmers across the country.
The operation, conducted jointly by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and Government Chemists, led to the recovery of assorted fertilizer products and packaging materials suspected to be counterfeit.
Among the items seized were various fertilizer bags, a consignment labelled as government subsidy stock marked “Not for Sale,” as well as empty packaging materials believed to have been used for repackaging and distribution of suspected counterfeit products.
A recent multi-agency operation in Molo has brought to light a troubling and growing threat within the agricultural sector; the manufacture and distribution of suspected counterfeit animal feed products.
In the operation, officers from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), working alongside the National Police Service (NPS), uncovered an illegal production site in the Moto area of Molo town where suspected counterfeit animal salt lick was being manufactured within a residential homestead. The operation led to the seizure of 542 packets of animal salt lick, each weighing 5 kilograms and valued at approximately Ksh 500,000. Also recovered were labels bearing different brand names, sealing equipment and quantities of an unknown substance suspected to have been used in the production process.
KISUMU, KENYA —The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has seized counterfeit motor vehicle spare parts worth an estimated KSH 30 million during a high-stakes enforcement operation in Kisumu today.
Led by Kisumu Regional Manager Tom Muteti and supported by the National Police Service, the raid targeted a storage facility near the Kachok flyover in Kisumu, intercepting a massive consignment of illicit goods destined for the local market.
The seizure primarily consisted of high-turnover components, including counterfeit spark plugs and brake pads, which were packaged to mimic reputable global brands. These substandard parts were confiscated after intelligence reports pointed to the location as a central distribution hub for fake automotive spares in the Nyanza region.
Nairobi, Kenya, 29th April 2026 — The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has formally signed the Framework for Joint Recognition of Authorised Economic Operators (AEO), reaffirming its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while strengthening safeguards against counterfeit goods entering the Kenyan market.
The signing took place during a meeting held at ACA Headquarters in Nairobi between ACA and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) AEO team. The ACA delegation was led by the Executive Director, Dr. Robi M. King’a, and included Mr. Lindsay Kipkemoi, Deputy Director Enforcement, Ms. Jully Omollo, Ag. Deputy Director Legal Services, and Mr. Caspar Oluoch, Head of Recordation. The KRA AEO team was led by Ms. Maureen Wanginda.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) joined the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), Ministry of Investments, Trade & Industry (MITI), students and innovators at Eldoret National Polytechnic to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day 2026 under the theme “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.”
Held in Eldoret, a city celebrated for producing world-class athletes, the event placed a spotlight on the value behind sports from athlete brands and team identities to sports merchandise, broadcasting rights, performance technologies and designs.
Officiating the event on behalf of the Principal Secretary for State Department for Industry, Mr. Karanja Njora, Secretary Administration, State Department for Industry, noted that sports is a lucrative and rewarding career, comparable to professions such as medicine, engineering and law. In a speech delivered on behalf of Dr. Juma Mukhwana,CBS Principal Secretary, he emphasized that strong intellectual property protection enables athletes, innovators and enterprises to invest in their talents and innovations with confidence.
What appeared to be an ordinary residential home in Ruringo, within Nyeri town, concealed a dangerous and illegal operation, one that posed a serious threat to public health and safety.
Acting on intelligence, officers from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Nyeri team, working alongside Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya Bureau of Standards, and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), conducted a coordinated raid that uncovered an illicit alcohol manufacturing site operating from within the residence.
Inside the house, the multi-agency team found evidence of a well-organized counterfeiting operation. The suspects had set up equipment used for sealing bottle caps and affixing counterfeit excise stamps, mimicking legitimate production processes. Among the items recovered were fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps, thousands of assorted nip caps, sealing tapes, and packaging materials, tools clearly intended to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has destroyed counterfeit goods valued at over KSh 200M in a major enforcement exercise aimed at protecting consumers, safeguarding legitimate businesses, and preserving the integrity of Kenya’s marketplace.
The destruction exercise, conducted in Athi River, marks a significant milestone in the Authority’s ongoing efforts to combat the proliferation of counterfeit goods across the country. The goods had been seized through coordinated enforcement operations across Nairobi, Eastern and Nyeri regions, including key entry points such as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the Inland Container Depot, Nairobi, and had undergone all required legal and administrative processes prior to disposal.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) continues to intensify its crackdown on illicit trade by conducting specialized Product Knowledge Training sessions for its enforcement officers. This ongoing initiative is designed to refine the technical expertise of the frontline team, ensuring they remain equipped to handle the increasingly complex tactics used by counterfeiters. By bridging the gap between industry intelligence and field operations, the Authority is maintaining a proactive stance in its long-term mission to sanitize the Kenyan market.
ACA, Police and DCI Intercept 3,600 Suspected Counterfeit Dettol Soap Bars in Eastern Region
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), working jointly with the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), has intercepted a consignment of 3,600 suspected counterfeit Dettol soap bars in Eastern Region, in an operation aimed at protecting consumers from unsafe personal care products.
The seizure followed a complaint received by the ACA Eastern Region Office from Cerberus Investigation and Security Ltd regarding the suspected movement of counterfeit Dettol soap. Acting on the intelligence, the agencies mounted a coordinated operation along the Matuu–Kanyonyo route, where the suspected goods were intercepted before they could reach the market.
On 2nd April 2026, a multi-agency tree planting exercise was held at Irangi Forest in Embu County, bringing together national and county government institutions, environmental agencies, and members of the local community. The initiative formed part of the broader national effort to promote environmental conservation, restore forest cover, and advance sustainability initiatives, in line with Kenya’s ambitious goal of increasing national tree cover.
The exercise attracted participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI), the State Department for Industry, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), the Numerical Machining Complex, the Embu County Government, the Community Forest Association, and the local community. ACA was represented by its Environmental and Sustainability Committee, underscoring the Authority’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
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.
ACA Signs 2025/2026 Performance Contract
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has signed its Performance Contract for the 2025/2026 financial year in a ceremony presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, at the Ministry’s offices.
The signing forms part of the Government’s broader performance management framework aimed at enhancing accountability, transparency, and service delivery across public institutions.
ACA was represented at the ceremony by Board Chairman Hon. Nelson Gaichuhie, CBS, and Board Member Hon. Neddy Kiptoo, accompanied by the Executive Director, Dr. Robi M. King’a, PhD.
- ACA Executive Director Chairs Consultative Meeting on Proposed National IP Policy and Strategy
- Multi-Agency Raid Nets Suspected Counterfeit Alcohol in Lower Eastern Crackdown
- FAKES: WHY VIGILANCE IS THE BEST GIFT THIS EASTER
- ACA Hosts FCC Tanzania Delegation for Training on Trademark Recordation
- BAT Kenya Pays Courtesy Visit to ACA to Strengthen Fight Against Illicit Tobacco Trade
- Building Confidence in Public Procurement: Suppliers Gather for ACA Sensitization Forum
- Regional Administration, Security Agencies and ACA Strengthen Anti-Counterfeit Enforcement in Kakamega
- Anti-Counterfeit Authority Engages Kisumu Stakeholders on IP Protection and Market Integrity
- Bungoma Stakeholders Unite to Secure Trade Corridors Against Dangerous Counterfeits
- ACA Fortifies Media Partnership in Bungoma to Elevate Public Awareness and Combat Illicit Trade
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Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA)
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P.O. Box, 47771-00100 (GPO), Nairobi, Kenya.
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