NAIROBI, Kenya – Online platforms such as Facebook and Jumia have emerged as major distribution channels for counterfeit products in Kenya, contributing to an estimated national economic loss of Sh800 billion annually.
This is according to the Consumer-Level Survey Report 2025 released by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) to mark World Anti-Counterfeiting Day.
The report warns that the rapid growth of digital marketplaces is fuelling the spread of fake goods—some of which pose serious risks to consumer health and safety.
“This is not just about lost revenue. It is about lives, jobs, and the integrity of our markets—especially in the case of counterfeit medical products, which are a death sentence,” the ACA said.
ACAKenya has launched two key reports at #WACD2025:Consumer Survey Report which explores public awareness and attitudes toward counterfeit goods and Firm Survey Report which examines the scale of counterfeiting among businesses and the evolving role of digital platforms.
Counterfeit goods now account for nine per cent of Kenya’s total illicit trade, the survey notes.
While most fake products are still sold by informal street vendors—who account for about 60 per cent of such transactions—the digital marketplace is quickly catching up, with 31.27 per cent of counterfeit purchases now happening online.
“Street vendors still dominate, but the tide is turning. The battleground is now the online marketplace,” the report says.
Facebook and Jumia were cited as the top platforms being used to distribute counterfeit goods.
The survey, conducted across Nairobi, Busia, Kisumu, Mombasa, Garissa, Machakos, Nyeri, and Nakuru, also shows that awareness of counterfeit products has increased significantly—from 55.8 per cent in 2021 to 83.85 per cent in 2025.
However, consumers still struggle to distinguish genuine products from fakes.
“Increased awareness does not always translate to better purchasing decisions,” the report states.
China remains the leading source of counterfeit products entering Kenya, although Kenya and Uganda are also cited as contributors to offline counterfeit trade, suggesting growing local production and distribution.
Affordability remains the biggest reason consumers continue to buy fake products.
“Kenya is a country of affordability. People often buy what is available and affordable, even if it is not authentic,” the report notes.
The ACA is calling for importers to declare their goods at the point of origin and for greater enforcement in the digital space.
“The way forward must be scientific, targeted, and data-driven. We cannot fight a dynamic problem like counterfeiting with outdated tools,” it said.
