The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has renewed calls for coordinated action against illicit trade, warning that the continued influx of smuggled and counterfeit goods is not only stifling industrial growth but also putting consumers at risk and weakening Kenya’s economic prospects.
The concerns come in the wake of fresh data from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), showing that the value of seized illicit goods at the country’s entry points surged from Ksh. 200 million in 2023 to Ksh. 243.5 million in 2024.
This sharp increase underscores the growing scale and urgency of the problem, which industry stakeholders say threatens innovation, investment, and public health.
In response, KAM, under the leadership of Chief Executive Tobias Alando, today participated ina high-level consultative forum at the Office of the Deputy President.
The meeting, chaired by Dr. Gasheri Mugao, brought together key representatives from government agencies and the private sector to evaluate the current landscape of illicit trade and formulate collaborative strategies to counter it.
Among the institutions present were the Kenya Revenue Authority, Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, State Department and Trade, the Jua Kali Association and the Office of the Deputy President
Discussions focused on identifying the root causes and drivers of illicit trade, assessing gaps in enforcement and legal frameworks, and recommending concrete actions, including enhanced surveillance, stricter penalties, public awareness campaigns, and greater interagency cooperation.
KAM emphasized that winning the fight against illicit trade is critical to protecting legitimate businesses, safeguarding jobs, and enabling Kenya to realize its industrialization and development goals.
Written By Rodney Mbua
