The Anti-Counterfeits Authority (ACA) is set to install an equipment for destroying seized counterfeits and other illegal products.
The agency said the project being spearheaded by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) will fill the void as the country lacks such a facility.
“We are looking at an integrated facility for destruction of illegal goods seized by agencies that play a role in the fight against counterfeits and contraband goods. This mega integrated destruction facility will be built in Mombasa and the KPA is spearheading the project,” Elema Halake, the ACA executive director told Business Daily.
Mr Halake said counterfeit products have no other forms of disposal except destruction.
“This mega facility is going to handle various products from food items to cosmetics among other dangerous goods such as fake liquified petroleum gas (LPG),” Mr Halake said.
“Destruction of counterfeit products is the single biggest problem facing us as an agency. We have fluorescent bulbs among other fake products held up in our go-downs because we have no destruction facility,” Mr Halake said.
The ACA said toothpaste, toners, electricals/bulbs, detergents, fertiliser and motor vehicle lubricants are some of the goods it seized during its operations.
Others are petroleum products, alcoholic beverages, steel and building materials, cigarettes, livestock and agriculture products, cosmetics, foodstuffs and bottled water, leather, sugar and textiles.
Mr Halake disclosed that the ACA is holding counterfeit goods worth Sh1.6 billion in its depots. He said ACA has prosecuted 44 cases in court and recorded substantial seizures.
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