The value of counterfeit products in Kenya has crossed Ksh1 trillion mark with Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) estimating that one out of every five products sold in the market is counterfeit.
- •According to ACA, the value of illicit trade in Kenya increased by 14% rising from Ksh726 billion in 2017 to Ksh826 billion in 2018, with more recent estimates suggesting that the figure has now surpassed the Ksh1 trillion mark annually.
- •A survey by KCA University on behalf of ACA shows online platforms accounted for 31.27% of counterfeit purchases, reflecting the growing role of e-commerce in the counterfeit trade.
- •Kenya’s three major cities are the counterfeiting hotspots, with most products making it to the market through retail channels.
“Some 60.48% of consumers admitted to purchasing counterfeit goods, either knowingly or unknowingly, in the past 12 months, while 38.52% reported no such purchases,” says ACA executive Director, Robi Mbugua Njoroge.
Supermarkets, typically considered more regulated, accounted for 21.31%, raising concerns about the vulnerability of formal retail spaces.
E- commerce giants like Jumia and Kilimall dominate the list, indicating their significant role in facilitating online counterfeit trade. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are also becoming prominent marketplaces, highlighting their growing influence in counterfeit transactions.
Other purchase locations comprised only 2.36%, suggesting that counterfeit goods are mainly found in more common retail channels.
“These findings underscore concerns about transparency and trust in online shopping, signalling the need for better consumer protection and stricter monitoring of online marketplaces to curb the sale of counterfeit goods,” Njoroge added.
From Wine to Spare Parts
In the alcoholic drink sector, wine is the most counterfeited product, accounting for 50.12% of total instances, followed by beer at 47.44%. Other notable beverages include whiskey (42.68%) and vodka (36.95%), highlighting the prevalence of counterfeit alternatives that pose health hazards.
Products like rum (32.44%) and tequila (28.41%) also show considerable counterfeiting rates. While gin (23.05%), brandy (19.27%), and liqueurs (11.71%) are less frequently counterfeited, the presence of craft spirits (11.22%) reveals vulnerabilities within niche markets.
“Strengthened regulations, increased penalties, and public awareness campaigns are necessary to mitigate the impact of counterfeiting,” the ACA says.
The Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment sector present alarming trends, particularly in medication. Antibiotics and anti-malaria drugs account for 89.28% of counterfeited products, posing significant risks to public health by compromising treatment efficacy and patient safety. Counterfeit vaccines are also a concern, with 44.54% of respondents highlighting their presence in the market.
According to the survey, 89.16% of respondents identified pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides as the most counterfeited products, followed by fertilizers (54.29%) and animal feeds (45.60%). Other affected categories include seeds (34.09%) and agricultural equipment (13.66%). The prevalence of counterfeit agrochemicals threatens food security and the livelihoods of farmers.
The survey results reveal a significant prevalence of counterfeiting in Kenya’s automotive sector, particularly affecting four-wheeler spare parts and accessories. 81.89% of respondents identified these products as the most counterfeited. Maintenance products were also widely reported, with 67.35% of respondents highlighting issues.
Customization products and motorcycle parts were noted by 43.88% and 33.93%, respectively. Other automotive products were minimally affected, with only 1.53% reporting concerns.
