The manufactures of fake phones has claimed that fake phone Kenyan market was worth US$35 million last year. Manufacturers blamed weak policies and poor enforcement of anti-counterfeit laws for the growth of the counterfeit market.
According to Kenneth Oyolla, Nokia General Manager for East and Southern Africa, the Government and handset makers jointly lost US$35 million last year alone through tax evasion at the ports of entry and the growing number of counterfeit handsets in Kenya.
He added that the negative economic impact resulting to job losses, low margins for manufacturers, customer dissatisfaction and negative health effects could be more devastating to the economy.
Kenya Anti-Counterfeit Director Steve Malowa also called for increased resources for enforcement agencies and an improved collaboration with various international bodies to clamp down on the imports of fake goods.
Nokia has an ongoing anti-counterfeit programme in Kenya, and earlier this year held a training seminar for 25 officials from the government departments on the issue.
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