In Kenya, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) said it does not have sufficient capacity to effectively counter the spread of counterfeit alcoholic beverages. According to Nation Kenya, the ACA estimates that 67% of alcohol currently sold in the country is counterfeit.
The agency noted that counterfeiters copy popular brands of major producers to encourage consumers to buy fake products. The ACA attributes its limited capacity to a shortage of staff and funding, as well as the lack of legal authority to inspect locally produced beverages.
Shortage of inspectors
The ACA has 120 employees, of whom only 38 counterfeit-product inspectors are required to cover the entire country. Last year, the authority seized counterfeit goods worth 1.45 billion Kenyan shillings, including 400 million shillings worth of alcoholic beverages.
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Of the seized counterfeit alcohol products, 77% were made in Kenya, 15% were imported, and the origin of 8% could not be determined. The ACA works with major alcohol producers and distributors to identify counterfeits and detain those involved.
Seizure of illegal beverages
Last month, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) seized more than 27,000 liters of illegal alcoholic beverages in Nairobi and Kisumu counties. Some suspects have already been brought before court.
According to the publication, sellers of counterfeit alcohol imitate or unlawfully use labels, caps, security seals, and bottles of protected brands. The ACA proposes introducing an authentication device with a certification mark that can be verified digitally.
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