Kenya is facing a significant economic challenge as counterfeiting continues to rob the nation of approximately Sh100 billion annually. Stakeholders have united to address this issue, emphasizing the need for collaboration and innovative measures to safeguard the country’s economy, innovation ecosystem, and consumer welfare.
During the launch of the Second International Symposium on Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement (ISIPPE-2) Report in Nairobi, leaders expressed deep concern about the far-reaching effects of counterfeiting. Industrialization Secretary Erastus Gatebe, speaking on behalf of Trade Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, highlighted the government’s commitment to tackling this global menace, which costs the global economy a staggering $2.2 trillion each year.
“Beyond the economic impact, counterfeit goods jeopardize lives and undermine fair trade,” Gatebe noted, calling the ISIPPE-2 Report a clarion call for united action. The report is a key outcome of the ISIPPE-2 symposium, held earlier this year under the theme “United Against Counterfeiting for a Healthy and Safer World.”
Advancing Intellectual Property Protection
Gatebe underscored the critical role of intellectual property (IP) protection in driving Kenya’s industrial development and aligning with global best practices. He pointed to the recently validated National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS), developed in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), as a step forward in fostering innovation, attracting investment, and ensuring fair competition.
“The NIPPS will foster innovation, attract investment, and ensure fair competition in our markets,” Gatebe stated. The policy’s development and implementation align with the recommendations from ISIPPE-2, setting the stage for robust measures against counterfeiting.
Multi-Agency Collaboration and Technology
Josephat Kabeabea, chairman of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Board of Directors, emphasized the need for a united approach, supported by multi-agency collaborations and technology-driven solutions. Highlighting the role of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority Integrated Management System (AIMS), Kabeabea said the system is enhancing enforcement mechanisms and facilitating legitimate trade.
“This report is more than a publication; it is a call to action and a blueprint for decisive measures,” he asserted. Kabeabea emphasized that only through collective effort can Kenya achieve a counterfeit-free market.
Robi Njoroge, ACA’s Executive Director, echoed these sentiments, praising the ISIPPE symposiums for fostering global collaboration and knowledge sharing, particularly within the Global South. He affirmed that the ISIPPE-2 symposium underscored Kenya’s commitment to becoming a leader in IP protection in Africa, with the recommendations serving as a catalyst for industrial growth, innovation protection, and consumer safety.
Looking Ahead: ISIPPE-3
Building on the success of ISIPPE-2, Njoroge announced preparations for the Third International Symposium on Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement (ISIPPE-3), slated for June 4–5, 2025. The next edition will focus on sustainability and advancing enforcement mechanisms, reinforcing Kenya’s leadership in the fight against counterfeiting.
A Call to Action
The release of the ISIPPE-2 Report signals renewed government efforts to strengthen IP protection frameworks. Gatebe urged stakeholders to unite as patriots in the fight against counterfeiting, emphasizing its critical role in creating a safer, healthier world while nurturing a culture of innovation for future generations.
“Let us unite as patriots to defend our country against counterfeiting. Together, we can foster a culture of innovation and economic development,” Gatebe concluded.
With the implementation of NIPPS and the active engagement of stakeholders, Kenya is poised to make significant strides in addressing counterfeiting, protecting its innovators, and strengthening its economy. The collective effort from the government, agencies, and private sector promises a future where innovation thrives, and counterfeit goods no longer pose a threat.
