Stakeholders call for co-ordinated enforcement in war on illicit trade

Illicit trade poses a serious threat to security, public safety and agriculture, Western regional commissioner Irungu Macharia has warned.

He highlighted the dangers of counterfeit seeds, fake fertilisers and substandard pesticides infiltrating local markets.

“Such products undermine farmers’ productivity, threaten food security and weaken the region’s economic stability,” Macharia said, adding that Kakamega, a major agricultural hub, is particularly vulnerable.

The administrator spoke at a stakeholder training forum on intellectual property protection and anti-counterfeiting enforcement at Kakamega Sports Club on Wednesday.

The forum brought together representatives from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Kenya, the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Kenya Bureau of Standards, the Bar, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association, the Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers and other public and private sector stakeholders.

Organised by ACA Kenya and sponsored by Trade Mark Africa, the engagement aimed to strengthen coordination and vigilance against illicit trade across the Western region.

Macharia also warned against the circulation of counterfeit alcohol and other fake consumables, describing the trade as a public order challenge facilitated by organised networks exploiting enforcement gaps.

Participants emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing, coordinated inspections, stronger supply chain compliance and sustained grassroots awareness to protect farmers, traders and households from the economic and safety risks of counterfeit goods.

Kakamega county commissioner Onesmus Kyatha and regional security officials reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to coordinated action.

He said National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) play a critical role in detecting illicit activities at the community level before counterfeit goods reach consumers.