County Sensitization Program against illicit trade kicks off

Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA)  launched a sensitization program targeting counties to combat counterfeiting and other forms of illicit trade in the country.

Speaking during the event, KAM Chief Executive, Ms Phyllis Wakiaga, noted that despite efforts being made to combat it, Kenya is experiencing a heightened level of illicit trade.

“The vice has grown to great proportions in recent years, threatening our economy and the realization of a number of the country’s development goals, including the Big 4 Agenda. KAM will continue to work closely with both National and County Governments in order to address the menace of illicit trade which threatens the health and safety of all citizens, undermines national and regional security, destabilises economies, increases the cost of public health, sabotages tourism, stunts innovation, and offers a haven to organised crime and trafficking,” said Ms Wakiaga.

The County Commissioner for Busia, Mr Jacob Narengo, remarked that the fight against illicit trade calls for collaboration among all enforcement agencies and committed to sustaining the fight against illicit trade within Busia county.

“No single entity can effectively enforce anti-counterfeiting measures within and across national boundaries. The fight against illicit trade is a collaborative effort amongst all stakeholders. Collaboration will increase our gains in this fight as we work towards growing our economies and having a safe, healthy population. Busia County has dedicated Thursdays for operations against various forms of illicit trade. We shall be conducting random, impromptu checks in business premises to check for counterfeits in the county,” noted Mr Narengo.

ACA Research, Awareness, Policy and Quality Assurance Deputy Director, Dr John Akoten reiterated the importance of sustaining the fight against illicit trade.

“We are on the right track on this issue as a country. It is incumbent upon us as citizens, stakeholders and partners in our nation’s development to meet this challenge head-on, sure-footed with conviction and clarity. If left alone to fester, illicit trade is a threat to our nationhood,” said Dr Akoten.

The forum, held in Busia, is the first of a series of engagements planned to sensitize law enforcement agencies on denormalising illicit trade.