Kenya: BAT Calls for War On Fake Cigarettes

Source from:  Nairobi Star 04/26/2011

BAT Kenya is pushing for implementation of the anti-counterfeit Act of 2008 after a recent raid in Nairobi unearthed a major cigarette counterfeiting syndicate along Mombasa road. The company's Head of Communication and Corporate Social Responsibility Selena Olende said that the firm will support the total implementation of the Anti-counterfeiting Act because it provides a solution to a big problem affecting key investments in Kenya. The raid along Mombasa Road was conducted by Kenya Revenue Authority officers and police. The officers discovered wood shavings and other foreign inputs that were being used in the production of illicit cigarettes. "Research compiled in 2010 shows that the counterfeiting and smuggling of tobacco products in Kenya has cost the Kenyan Government - and by extension, the people of Kenya - over Sh1.5 billion in lost revenue," noted Olende. BAT said that considering the estimated production capacity of the seized cigarette machinery, the raid has prevented the loss of almost one billion shillings in excise revenue."The Company's focus on investment, and commitment to, and confidence in Kenya is buoyed by initiatives like this raid which contribute to creating a more stable environment for long term economic development and the creation of sustainable shareholder value." KRA recently introduced Electronic Cargo Tracking System to fight dumping of illicit goods and export diversion into the local market. BAT said the system has is working well for the company. BAT said it will support the "pragmatic, balanced, enforceable regulation like the anti-counterfeiting Act 2008". Enditem