Silent killer on shop shelves
The infiltration of counterfeit consumable goods into the Kenyan market has reached alarming levels.
Imagine walking into a trusted supermarket or cosmetic shop, picking a well-known brand, only to realise later that what you bought is a counterfeit. This is not just about economic loss—it is a matter of health and safety. The infiltration of counterfeit consumable goods into the Kenyan market has reached alarming levels, leaving consumers exposed to unknown dangers. It begs the question: Who is sleeping on the job?
Recently, a friend of mine walked into a cosmetic shop and was tempted to scan a sunscreen because the price seemed too good to be true. Shockingly, the scan revealed details of a completely different product. Social media is awash with similar complaints — people buying everyday items like beverages, cosmetics and foodstuff from reputable outlets only to discover they have been duped. While it is true that some products have variations due to different manufacturing regions, we cannot ignore the harsh reality — our market is flooded with counterfeit goods.
Counterfeit, in this context, is not to be confused with generic or alternative brands. It refers to a fraudulent practice where an unknown product is deliberately packaged and branded to resemble a well-known product, deceiving consumers into believing they are purchasing the original. This is pure fraud, and worse still, it is a serious health hazard.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) and other consumer protection agencies exist to safeguard Kenyans from such dangers. Yet, despite their mandate, counterfeit products continue to thrive in the market. Are these agencies overwhelmed, underfunded or simply complicit? It is disheartening that despite numerous complaints, action is rarely taken against unscrupulous traders who stock these fake products. The crackdown on counterfeits should not be a periodic publicity stunt; it should be a relentless, ongoing effort.
Kenyans deserve better. Kebs and other regulatory bodies must step up surveillance, increase penalties for offenders, and work closely with manufacturers to enhance verification mechanisms. Retailers, too, must take responsibility by ensuring that their supply chains are free of counterfeit goods. Consumers can no longer afford to trust blindly.
Ms Marube is a communications specialist. [email protected]