The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) took part in this year’s World Anti-Counterfeit Day by participating in the 2nd #ISIPPE conference, organized by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC). The conference, themed “Uniting against Counterfeits for a Healthy and Safe Future,” took place from June 5th to 6th, 2024.
World Anti-Counterfeit Day, observed annually on June 8th, raises awareness among consumers about counterfeiting, uniting enforcement agencies and industry players to share best practices and discuss close collaboration. The Global Anti-Counterfeiting Group (GACG) defines counterfeiting as a crime involving the theft of someone’s trademark, making imitations or forgeries of genuine products to deceive or defraud. Counterfeiting undermines investment and innovation, deterring new investors and existing enterprises from investing in design improvements and innovation, and leading to job losses in the formal economy. Small and medium enterprises are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of counterfeiting because they lack the wherewithal to counter this attack on their legitimate production and sales.
The event brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the critical role of intellectual property (IP) protection in ensuring consumer safety and fostering innovation. Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, Ms. Rebecca Miano, emphasized the importance of robust IP frameworks in her opening address. “Consumer safety is paramount, and strong intellectual property enforcement is essential to protect the public from the dangers of counterfeit goods,” said CS Miano. Principal Secretary of the State Department of Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, highlighted the government’s collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and other agencies in formulating a comprehensive national IP policy and strategy to support innovation and competitiveness.
Stakeholders participating in the forum
To strengthen controls against IP violations and provide redress mechanisms for aggrieved parties, the forum saw the launch of the ACA Integrated Information Management System (AIMS). This system allows intellectual property rights owners to record their products with the ACA, safeguarding against potential infringements and providing pathways for protection in case of violations.
Moments captured during the launch of the ACA Integrated Information Management System (AIMS)
The forum also included panel discussions with representatives from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Japan Intellectual Property Office, and leading multinational corporations. Participants explored collaborative strategies to enhance IP enforcement, share best practices, and address emerging challenges such as the rise in online counterfeiting in this digital age.
Trade Mark Africa County Director Ahmed Farah, ACA Executive Director Dr. Robi Njoroge, Anti-counterfeit Authority Board Chair Josphat Kabeabea, Acting Secretary for the State Department for Industry, Mr. Nobby Macharia, representatives from World Intellectual Property Organization and Japan Patent Office.
In alignment with enforcing intellectual property rights, the MSEA facilitated several MSEs to exhibit their products, crucial in combating counterfeit goods. ACA Executive Director Dr. Robi Njoroge, ACA Board Chair Josphat Kabeabea, and Acting Secretary for the State Department for Industry Mr. Nobby Macharia, representing Principal Secretary Hon. Dr. Juma Mukhwana, interacted with exhibitors at the pavilion. Exhibitors showcased a variety of products and services, including value-added leather goods, artifacts, beadwork, apparel, Ankara products, and handcrafts. This event underscored the collaborative efforts needed to protect IP rights and promote a healthy and safe market environment, benefiting consumers and fostering innovation across industries.
Moments captured at the MSME booths