BUYER BEWARE! ACA SOUNDS ALARM OVER COUNTERFEIT IMPORTS AS KENYANS URGED TO VERIFY PRODUCTS
Authority calls on consumers to check seals, excise stamps and standardisation marks to avoid suspected counterfeit goods
By Jeff Kizzilah | Digital Editor LiveNation254 Media | ePaper Online Friday, October 23, 2026
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) is urging Kenyans to exercise greater caution when purchasing goods, warning consumers to verify product seals, excise stamps and standardisation marks amid concerns over the circulation of counterfeit products in the country.
According to information attributed to the authority, almost 70 per cent of counterfeit products in Kenya are imported. The figure raises questions about the role of cross-border trade, import controls and market surveillance in addressing the supply of suspected counterfeit goods.
However, the precise scope and source of the 70 per cent estimate should be confirmed with the ACA before publication.
Are Counterfeit Imports Putting Consumers at Risk?
Counterfeit goods can expose consumers to potentially unsafe products, undermine legitimate businesses and deny intellectual property owners the benefits of their work.
Products such as electronics, cosmetics, agricultural inputs, tobacco products and educational materials can pose different risks when counterfeit or falsely labelled. Consumers may struggle to distinguish genuine goods from imitations, particularly where packaging and branding have been copied.
The ACA has been intensifying enforcement against suspected counterfeit products, including operations targeting fake fertiliser, tobacco products and pirated learning materials.
How Can Consumers Protect Themselves?
Kenyans are advised to take the following precautions when shopping:
- Check product seals: Look for signs of tampering, damaged packaging or suspicious labels.
- Verify excise stamps: Where applicable, examine the required stamps and use official verification channels.
- Look for standardisation marks: Check relevant product certification and compliance information.
- Buy from reputable outlets: Request receipts and avoid sellers who cannot explain the source of their products.
- Report suspicious goods: Notify the ACA through its official reporting channels.
The Bigger Question: How Do Fake Goods Enter the Market?
The reported estimate that nearly 70 per cent of counterfeit products are imported highlights the importance of effective border enforcement, cooperation among regulatory agencies and public awareness.
But enforcement alone may not eliminate the problem. Consumers, manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers all have a role to play in ensuring that products sold in Kenya are genuine and comply with applicable standards.
As the ACA strengthens its crackdown, Kenyans are being encouraged to remain vigilant and verify products before making purchases.
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