NAIROBI, July 31 – More than Sh27 million worth of counterfeit ball pens were destroyed at the Mombasa Port on Thursday under strict government supervision.
Leading the incursion on unscrupulous traders was the Trade Assistant Minister Nderitu Mureithi, who promised to prosecute importers found to be working with counterfeit goods.
The ball pens had fake ‘Haco Industries’ trademarks and were packed in a 40-foot container destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Most Kenyans have been duped by importers engaged in the dubious business of importing counterfeit goods," said the Assistant Minister.
The over 2.7 million fake pens were later destroyed, signalling a successful partnership between local manufacturers and the Government in fighting the vice.
Haco Industries Managing Director Polycarp Igathe lauded the Government\’s support in impounding the counterfeits.
“The long term solution is for Parliament to enact the Anti-Counterfeit Bill which is currently being debated by the House,” he said.
The Anti-Counterfeit Bill, 2007 was introduced in the last Parliament and only reached the first reading stage before the House was dissolved. As a result, all pending legislation had to be re-introduced.
It was brought back to the House on Thursday by the Industrialization Minister Henry Kosgey.
Kosgey said he would ensure that the Bill passed through the House.
“This time I will make sure this Bill goes through all the stages and becomes law,” he said, adding that the Bill would ensure Kenyan consumers and manufacturers were protected.
According to the draft Bill, dealers in counterfeit goods risk either 15 years in jail or a fine five times the value of the fake goods.
