Kenya, Uganda Launch AI-Powered App to Combat Cross-Border Counterfeits
Kenya and Uganda have unveiled a cutting-edge AI-powered application, the Bleep App, aimed at curbing the proliferation of counterfeit goods across their borders.
Developed by Cypheme, the app was launched on Friday at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) headquarters in Nairobi in collaboration with the Anti-Counterfeit Network (ACN) Uganda.
ACA Executive Director Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge lauded the app as a groundbreaking innovation in the fight against illicit trade.
“This revolutionary tool will transform enforcement, consumer protection, and market surveillance by enabling real-time verification of product authenticity,” he stated.
Counterfeit goods remain a major economic challenge in East Africa, with fake products making up 30-40 percent of key industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and automotive parts.
The East African Community (EAC) loses over $500 million annually in tax revenue, while Kenya alone suffers losses exceeding KSh 100 billion ($800 million) each year.
The Bleep App allows consumers, businesses, and enforcement agencies to scan products, authenticate them instantly, and report counterfeits.
The data collected contributes to an expanding intelligence network, strengthening anti-counterfeit measures.
ACN Chairman Fred Muwema underscored the importance of regional cooperation, stating, “Counterfeit trade knows no borders. This app signifies the future of enforcement—technology-led, intelligence-driven, and consumer-empowered.”
Kenya has been at the forefront of intellectual property protection with innovations such as the IP Recordation System and the Anti-Counterfeit Integrated Management System (AIMS).
The Bleep App builds on these efforts by integrating AI, blockchain, and big data to enhance enforcement.
ACA and ACN are now calling on businesses, consumers, and policymakers to embrace the technology, reinforcing the fight against counterfeit infiltration and ensuring market integrity across the region.
By Sharon Atieno
