ELDORET, Kenya – The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has maintained its commitment to protecting Intellectual Property and safeguarding talent across the country in the wake of the intensified war on fake products.
The announcement came as Kenya joined the globe in marking the World Intellectual Property Day 2026 celebrations.
“The essence of intellectual property infringement extends to all creations of the mind, including copyright, trademark (brand name), industrial design, patent, etc.,” said Yussuf Osman, the ACA Director of Enforcement.
Yussuf emphasised that the Authority has stood out to protect talent as manifested in the creation industry and in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“Indeed, the Authority has on several occasions confiscated footwear and apparel with known brands such as Nike, Fila and Adidas, which are associated with sports, and, similarly, clothing, with the latest seizure being on April 22, 2026,” explained Yussuf.
On Monday, April 27, 2026, the ACA team pitched a tent at Eldoret National Polytechnic for World Intellectual Property Day 2026. The World Intellectual Property Day 2026 theme is “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate”.
During the event, members of the public visited the ACA exhibition booth to learn about intellectual property protection, the dangers of counterfeiting, and how to identify and report suspected counterfeit goods.
Inside the WIPO’s annual event
The day focuses on the intersection of intellectual property and sports. This theme highlights how IP fosters innovation and creativity in athletic performance, equipment design, branding, and media coverage.
As WIPO’s annual event since 2000, it aims to raise global awareness about the role of IP in driving progress across industries, with 2026 emphasising the inventive spirit behind sports advancements and commercialisation.
Speaking during the celebrations, Annie Obiero from ACA’s Education and Public Awareness Department noted that counterfeiting in sports goes beyond fake jerseys and sportswear, as she showcased samples of counterfeit sports merchandise to demonstrate how such products exploit trusted brands and mislead consumers.
ACA Eldoret Regional Manager Peter Wanyonyi added that counterfeit sports merchandise undermines innovation, denies legitimate businesses revenue, and exposes consumers to poor-quality products.
“I want to take this opportunity to encourage students, traders and members of the public to buy genuine products, respect intellectual property rights and report suspected counterfeit goods through ACA’s official channels,” explained Wanyonyi.
How the ACA netted fake goods in Athi River
On April 22, 2026, ACA destroyed counterfeit goods valued at over Sh 200 million in a major enforcement exercise held in Athi River as part of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses, and preserve the integrity of Kenya’s marketplace.
The goods had been seized through enforcement operations conducted across Nairobi, Eastern and Nyeri regions, including key entry points such as JKIA and the Inland Container Depot, and had undergone all the necessary legal and administrative processes before destruction.
The destroyed goods covered a wide range of categories, highlighting the scale and diversity of counterfeit trade in the country.
These included apparel and footwear, machinery and spare parts, electronics and phone accessories, stationery, alcohol and beverages, agrochemicals, petroleum products, foodstuffs, hardware materials, and other household and consumer goods.
ACA steps up war on counterfeit goods
Among the highest-value categories were apparel, machinery and spare parts, electronics and stationery.
Speaking during the exercise, ACA Executive Director Dr. Mbugua Njoroge said the destruction was a strong demonstration of the Authority’s commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring counterfeit goods are permanently removed from circulation.
“Counterfeit products are not only an economic threat but also a danger to public health and safety, noting that fake automotive parts, alcohol, cosmetics, electrical products and food items can have devastating consequences for unsuspecting consumers,” warned Dr. Njoroge.
The Authority emphasised that destruction remains a critical enforcement measure because once goods have been seized and all legal procedures finalised, they must be eliminated to prevent them from re-entering the market.
Who are the ACA’s support partners?
ACA also acknowledged the support of partner agencies, including the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Kenya Police.
Others include the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), and the local administration and the contribution of Intellectual Property Rights owners and brand representatives, whose collaboration is key in identifying and reporting counterfeit goods.
“Our enforcement efforts are most effective when supported by strong collaboration with stakeholders. By sharing intelligence, building capacity, and enhancing compliance, we can significantly reduce the flow of counterfeit goods into the market,” added Yussuf.
ACA further urged consumers to remain vigilant by buying from reputable sources, checking packaging, labelling and authenticity features, and reporting any suspected counterfeit products. The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying enforcement operations and strengthening collaboration with stakeholders in the fight against counterfeit trade.
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