Publishers decry circulation of counterfeit textbooks, urge IG Kanja to intervene

The Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) has decried the proliferation of counterfeit textbooks across the country, urging Inspector General (IG) of Police Douglas Kanja to take urgent action in addressing the issue.

In a letter addressed to IG Kanja, KPA council members highlighted the counterfeit books in circulation, noting that their distribution, in regions like Nairobi, Kisii, Thika, Nakuru and Murang'a, deprive legitimate publishers and authors of their earnings.

"I write to bring to your urgent attention the widespread counterfeiting of products belonging to members of KPA. These counterfeit items, which include kamusi, dictionaries, readers, textbooks, and set books, are being distributed and sold by unscrupulous traders, particularly during the back-to-school season," they said.

"This illegal activity has caused significant harm to both the publishing industry and the broader economy; specifically financial losses to publishers, tax evasion and economic  sabotage."

Further, the association added that it has gathered intelligence on key distribution points and is ready to collaborate with law enforcement to identify and shut down the sources of the counterfeit books.

"To distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products, we rely on check tags, unique markings, and other proprietary security features embedded by our members in their products," the KPA members said. 

In light of the aforesaid grievances, KPA has called for IG Kanja’s immediate intervention and to initiate investigations and apprehend those responsible for distributing counterfeit textbooks.

"We respectfully seek your urgent intervention in this matter. We request your office to initiate investigations, apprehend the perpetrators, and take appropriate legal action to stop this illegal trade," said the KPA council members. 

"This will safeguard intellectual property rights, protect the livelihoods of those in the publishing sector and secure tax revenue for the government."