Security agencies have put in place measures to curb rising cases of counterfeit goods in Trans Nzoia County, that are threatening business as well as food security in the region.
Speaking during a one-day seminar that was used to sensitize Transnzoia locals against engaging in illegal businesses that has
threatened economy of the region, as well as food security, Transnzoia county commissioner Sam Ojwang, raised an alarm about the rising cases of unscrupulous businessmen such persons of dire consequences.
However, he explained the measures that the security agencies within the county has put in place that will help in combating the illegal
business especially in porous borders between Kenya Government and Uganda stating that the two countries have entered into an MOU whose sole objective was to fight the practice and making sure it does not thrive in the two countries since the perpetrators if left to
operate, the two countries will suffers in terms of income.
Ojwang’s sentiments were supported by the national chair against anti-counterfeit authority Flora Mutahi who claimed counterfeit goods have had a negative impact on the country’s GDP giving a tally of 25%, calling for all stakeholders to join hands in curbing the spread of the vice.
He appealed to the public to report cases of persons engaging in illegal businesses to authorities so that action is taken by arresting
and presenting the perpetrators to court an act she claimed will help in dealing with the vice.
“You see these counterfeit traders normally persuades the customer by taking to them counterfeit goods claiming it was genuine which the
customer purchases the products at a cheaper price which in turn the results turns negative”, said Mrs Mutahi.
On his part the chief administrative secretary for industrialization, trade and enterprise development David Osiany noted that its
the organization was working hand in hand with businessmen through the chamber of commerce and industry in enlightening them to first avoid engaging in selling counterfeit goods to customers as well as reporting those cases to top authorities for immediate action.