The Anti-Counterfeit Authority Kenya (ACA): What It Is and How It Protects Buyers
Most Kenyan buyers don’t know that there is a government body specifically tasked with fighting counterfeit goods — the Anti-Counterfeit Authority Kenya (ACA). Understanding how it works can help you recover losses and fight back against fake product sellers.
What Is the ACA?
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) is a Kenyan government agency established under the Anti-Counterfeit Act No. 13 of 2008. Its mandate is to combat the trade in counterfeit goods in Kenya by investigating complaints, conducting market surveillance, and prosecuting offenders.
ACA works across all product categories — electronics, fashion, cosmetics, spare parts, food products, medicines, and more.
What the ACA Can Do for You
If you’ve been sold counterfeit goods by an online seller in Kenya, the ACA can:
- Investigate the seller
- Seize counterfeit goods
- Pursue criminal prosecution of sellers
- Issue fines to counterfeit goods dealers
- Provide you with guidance on your rights as a consumer
How to Report Counterfeit Products to the ACA
Online: Visit acakenya.go.ke and use their complaint form.
Phone: Call the ACA on +254 20 2229 410 or their toll-free line.
In person: Visit their offices at Lenana Road, Nairobi near Bishops Road.
Email: Send a complaint with photos and evidence to info@acakenya.go.ke
When reporting, provide:
- Photos of the counterfeit product
- Receipt or payment evidence
- Seller’s name, social media handle, and contact number
- Any packaging or labels
What Qualifies as Counterfeiting in Kenya?
Under Kenyan law, a counterfeit good is one that bears a trademark, trade name, or mark that is identical or confusingly similar to a registered trademark without authorisation. This includes:
- Fake Nike, Adidas, Apple, Samsung products
- Counterfeit cosmetics and skincare bearing real brand names
- Fake pharmaceutical products
- Counterfeit food products bearing genuine brand labels
Selling counterfeits in Kenya can result in:
- Fines up to KES 4 million
- Imprisonment of up to 5 years
- Seizure and destruction of counterfeit goods
ACA vs. DCI Kenya: Which Should You Contact?
Contact ACA when: The issue is specifically counterfeit branded goods — fake shoes, fake cosmetics, fake electronics bearing a real brand name.
Contact DCI Kenya when: The issue is fraud — you paid for something and nothing was delivered, or you were deceived in a way that goes beyond counterfeit goods.
Both may be relevant when you paid for genuine branded goods and received counterfeits — this involves both fraud and counterfeiting.
Other Consumer Protection Resources in Kenya
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS): For products that fail safety standards. kebs.org
Communications Authority of Kenya (CA): For counterfeit electronics and devices. ca.go.ke
Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK): For unfair trade practices and consumer protection. cak.go.ke
Kenya Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (KEPAC): consumer@industrialization.go.ke
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the ACA actually do anything about my complaint?
A: The ACA has teeth — they conduct raids on markets and take genuine enforcement action. Filing a complaint is worth doing, especially for counterfeit goods where significant financial loss occurred.
Q: How long does an ACA investigation take?
A: This varies significantly. Some market surveillance actions happen quickly; formal investigations can take months. Filing a complaint is more about holding sellers accountable than quick personal recovery.
Q: Can I report an Instagram seller to the ACA?
A: Yes. Social media sellers are subject to the same anti-counterfeiting laws as physical market vendors. Provide their social media details, contact number, and product evidence.
Q: Is there any compensation available to victims of counterfeit goods in Kenya?
A: The ACA process is primarily enforcement-focused. For financial compensation, a civil court claim may be your route. Consult a consumer rights attorney for significant losses.
Know your rights as a Kenyan buyer — report fake sellers and always verify at legitcheck.co.ke before purchasing.
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