The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has called on Kenyan innovators, researchers, students and technology developers to partner with the agency in creating innovative solutions aimed at combating counterfeiting and strengthening intellectual property protection.
Speaking during the Open University of Kenya (OUK) Innovation Week, ACA Executive Director Dr. Robi King’a said the fight against counterfeit goods requires collaboration between government agencies, academia, innovators and the private sector.
“The Anti-Counterfeit Authority does not have a monopoly on good ideas. We need you,” Dr. King’a said, urging innovators to contribute ideas and technologies that can enhance efforts to safeguard consumers and businesses.
The innovation event, held under the theme “Harnessing Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Development,” was officially opened by Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation. It was hosted by Prof. Elijah Omwenga, Vice Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya.
Prof. Abdulrazak highlighted Kenya’s growing innovation capacity, noting that technology and creativity can play a key role in promoting entrepreneurship, creating jobs and driving economic growth.
“Kenya, through innovation, can reach that global status and compete with first world countries. Innovation creates entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship creates jobs and thus grows our economy. Innovators need to think outside the box and challenge conventional thinking,” he said.
Dr. King’a outlined ACA’s ongoing technology-driven initiatives, including the Anti-Counterfeit Integrated Management System, a digital platform designed to provide real-time intelligence and improve coordination in enforcement operations.
He also highlighted the Anti-Counterfeit Security Device, which is being implemented under Section 34B of the Anti-Counterfeit Act. The device introduces a digitally verifiable certification mark that will be placed on designated goods before they enter the Kenyan market.
Through the system, consumers will be able to verify the authenticity of products using smartphones, while enforcement officers will scan goods at entry points, warehouses and retail outlets. The technology is expected to help identify genuine products, generate market intelligence and strengthen surveillance against counterfeit trade.
The ACA boss invited artificial intelligence developers, blockchain experts, Internet of Things (IoT) specialists and data scientists to collaborate with the Authority through joint research, hackathons, pilot projects and internship programmes.
“The protector of innovation must itself be a consumer of innovation,” Dr. King’a said.
The OUK Innovation Week is running from June 29 to June 30, 2026, bringing together innovators and stakeholders to explore how technology can support sustainable development and address emerging challenges.
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