Kenya is losing upwards of Sh.10 million monthly in contraband and counterfeit goods.
According to Anti Counterfeit Authority executive director Dr.Robi Njoroge 80 per cent of this goods come into the country as imports.
Speaking during a sensitization program on counterfeits held in Kisumu on Thursday 9th , he called on law enforcement personnel to tackle the trade in counterfeits distorting revenues and creating unfair competition.
The aim is to secure our borders and end importation of counterfeit goods and illicit trade to protect the intellectual property
Dr.Robi Njoronge
Intellectual property rights
The programme which was aimed at discussing the impending implementation of the intellectual property rights recordation system brought together security agencies, border management unit and the business community.
“The aim is to secure our borders and end importation of counterfeit goods and illicit trade to protect the intellectual property,” he said.
Most of the counterfeited goods operates outside the tax system and once they have it they will ensure that also the revenue is able to get its share inform of the collection of taxes delivery to the Kenyan people
Dr. Njoroge
“We are doing this in line with article 46 of the constitution that also mandates the state to also ensure that all consumers rights are well protected in terms of safety and health,” he furthered.
According to the Njoroge, 70 per cent of imported goods were counterfeits, eating into 40 per cent of local manufacturers’ market share.
He said that they will have registered IPRs for trademarks, patents, utility models, industrial designs, copyrights irrespective of their place of registration for all goods to be imported into the Kenya.
“Most of the counterfeited goods operates outside the tax system and once they have it they will ensure that also the revenue is able to get its share inform of the collection of taxes delivery to the Kenyan people,” he said.