Nokia, the global mobile handsets maker and solutions provider is partnering with local agencies to curb access of illegal goods into the Kenyan market through ports of entry which deny the country significant amount of revenues.Kenneth Oyolla, Nokia General Manager for East and Southern Africa said rigorous enforcement of anti-counterfeit laws and continuous training of law enforcers could help save Kenya billion of shillings annually and help consumers get value for their money in future. “Kenya is estimated to be losing over Kshs 3 billion annually directly through tax evasion for mobile phones at the ports of entry. However, the negative economic impact resulting in job losses, low operator profits, customer dissatisfaction and negative health effects could be more devastating to the economy,” said Oyolla. He was speaking at the Nokia state of counterfeit forum held yesterday at Sarova Stanley hotel in partnership with the Kenya Anti-Counterfeits Agency and the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK).Last December, Nokia conducted training for 25 officials from the Weights & Measures Department, the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Anti-Counterfeit Agency as a part of the company’s ongoing anti-counterfeit campaign. Oyolla said Nokia is bringing into the market affordable mobile devices and accessories to help phone earn value for their money and offer superior user experience at different price-points. The new Nokia X2-01, priced at between Kshs 8000 – 8500 is aimed for youthful, flamboyant style-leaders, most of who are typically targeted by counterfeiters in Kenya and emerging markets.Counterfeiting is the illegal use of intellectual property rights including trademarks, patents, designs and copyrights. Globally, the spread of counterfeit products has increased in recent years due to the transfer of technology, ease of trade and export transactions through the internet, in addition to the recent economic crises. The Anti-counterfeit Agency Executive Director Mr Stephen Mallowah said that although counterfeits are a global problem costing economies billions of dollars, local and concerted efforts are yielding fruit. “The passing, by Parliament, of the Anti-Counterfeit Bill in 2009 was a big and positive step forward in the fight against counterfeits and it has paved the way for tighter controls and potential economic savings for Kenya economy. We estimate that Kenya has been losing over Kshs 40 billion per year currently, but things are changing radically as we roll out campaigns such as this one. We are requesting brand owners, organizations and consumers to continue working with by offering any relevant information that can help us fight this vice.”It is estimated that counterfeiting and piracy cost G20 economies USD 85 billion a year in lost taxes and higher spending on unemployment benefits. The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC) has estimated that international counterfeit trade is worth USD 600 billion a year and makes up 5 – 7% of world trade.