NAIROBI, Kenya — The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) have signed a Joint Recognition Framework for Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) aimed at improving trade facilitation while strengthening enforcement against counterfeit goods entering the Kenyan market.
The agreement was signed during a meeting held at the ACA headquarters in Nairobi between officials from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority and KRA’s Authorised Economic Operators Secretariat.
ACA Executive Director Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge led the Authority’s delegation, accompanied by Deputy Director for Enforcement Lindsay Kipkemoi, Acting Deputy Director for Legal Services Jully Omollo, and Head of Recordation Caspar Oluoch.
The KRA delegation was led by Maureen Wanginda.
The framework seeks to establish coordinated recognition and facilitation of compliant traders among government regulatory agencies, reducing duplication in cargo clearance processes and enhancing cooperation in customs enforcement.
According to the agencies, the arrangement is expected to improve predictability in cargo handling, strengthen information sharing, and support risk-based interventions among Partner Government Agencies.
Speaking during the signing, Dr. Njoroge said the framework would help facilitate legitimate trade while maintaining strict enforcement against counterfeit products.
“As ACA, we are fully on board and ready to work with KRA and other participating agencies to facilitate legitimate trade while protecting consumers, intellectual property rights holders, and the economy from counterfeit goods,” he said.
He noted that the framework aligns with the ACA’s Intellectual Property Rights Recordation Programme, which assists in monitoring imports and identifying suspected counterfeit products at entry points.
Under the arrangement, ACA committed to several measures, including faster processing of AEO cargo, conditional release mechanisms, destination verification processes, exemptions for importers whose brands are registered under the ACA Intellectual Property Rights Recordation Programme, and intelligence-led inspections.
KRA said the framework will support express approvals through the Integrated Customs Management System and reduce cargo verification timelines.
Wanginda said the initiative will also improve coordination among regulatory agencies and enhance intelligence-based inspections to target high-risk consignments more effectively.
She added that the framework is expected to become fully operational in the next financial year, following ongoing stakeholder sensitisation and capacity-building programmes supported by the World Customs Organization.
The signing formally positions the ACA as a key regulatory agency within the AEO framework, strengthening inter-agency collaboration in trade regulation and intellectual property protection.
Counterfeit trade remains a major concern in Kenya and the wider East African region, affecting sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles, automotive parts, and consumer goods.
