We won’t tolerate counterfeits in Machakos county, Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has declared.
Mwangangi said some unscrupulous investors were robbing Kenyans through counterfeits and contrabands.
“We will deal with those involved in counterfeits ruthlessly. We shouldn’t kill legitimate investments due to those selling counterfeit products not only in Machakos, but the Kenyan market in entirety,” Mwangangi said.
Counterfeits are products made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud.
They are not same as contrabands - goods that have been imported or exported illegally either in defiance of a total ban or without payment of duty.
Counterfeiters mostly affect fast-moving brands that can easily result to profits.
According to the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, goods that are commonly counterfeited include electronics, motor vehicle spare parts, stationeries, food and beverages, LPG, movies and music DVD’s, and petroleum products, luxury goods and fashion apparels, phones and computer accessories.
Speaking on Wednesday, the deputy county CEO said as a devolved administration, they would work with relevant national government institutions to step up the war on counterfeits and contrabands in Machakos county.
He said those involved in counterfeits and contrabands should trade elsewhere, not in Machakos county.
“Let them sell them elsewhere because legitimate investors pay lots of taxes, employ many Kenyans and help create wealth for Kenyans and brands while unscrupulous individuals just get out there, get their products and bring them here to amass wealth within a short period of time,” Mwangangi said.
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