NAIROBI, Kenya – As the clock ticks towards World Anti-Counterfeit Day 2025, Kenyans have been urged to reflect on efforts made to combat counterfeits in the country through the lens of consumer perception.
Yussuf Osman Ahmed, the Director of the Authority’s Enforcement Directorate, told Y News that there is a need to have a multi-faceted approach to engagements to fight illicit trade will be the cornerstone to elevate and appreciate the vital segment in innovation and creativity of our generation.
“Today’s world is the epicentre of the digital revolution in terms of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, blockchain technology, and other advancements. The generational diversity taking shape in our youth today can be attributed to issues of rights such as copyrights and related rights, trademarks, inventions, designs, and IP in all its forms,” said Osman.
According to Osman, the Environment is full of potential in the creation of new inventions that change the configurations and setups in all corners of military warfare (use of suicide drones, satellite imagery, intelligence gathering, etc.)
All we know about World Anti-Counterfeit Day 2025
Y News has established that World Anti-Counterfeit Day 2025 will be celebrated on June 6, 2025, under the theme: Advancing Anti-Counterfeiting Efforts to Foster Innovation and Consumer Trust.
Against this background, ACA has invited all stakeholders to participate in the celebrations, a global observance dedicated to combating the rising threat of counterfeit goods and illicit trade.
This year’s theme emphasises the critical role of enforcement, policy innovation, and consumer awareness in safeguarding public health, economic integrity, and industrial growth.
Osman observed that counterfeiting remains a major challenge, with an estimated Sh153 billion lost annually in Kenya due to counterfeit trade.
“Our survey on counterfeiting found that one in five products on the market is counterfeit, affecting key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, building materials, and agrochemicals. These illicit goods pose serious health and safety risks while stifling genuine innovation and investment,” said Osman in the exclusive interview with Y News.
World Anti-Counterfeit Day is a platform to strengthen collaboration among policymakers, enforcement agencies, businesses, and consumers to foster a marketplace founded on trust and authenticity.
What are some of the key activities the event will feature
- Launch of research reports on counterfeiting trends in Kenya
- High-level policy dialogues bringing together government officials, industry leaders, and academics
- Public awareness campaigns under ACA@15, marking fifteen years of anti-counterfeiting progress
- Media engagements, including expert interviews and stakeholder recognition.
Why the ACA will engage partners and collaborators
ACA will work alongside government agencies, private sector players, academic institutions, and global partners to advance effective anti-counterfeiting mechanisms.
Collaboration across enforcement and policy frameworks will be key in enhancing consumer protection, encouraging compliance, and driving technological innovation to detect and prevent counterfeit trade.
