Mr. Yussuf Osman Ahmed is the Director of Enforcement at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), the lead government agency mandated to combat counterfeiting, trade, and other dealings in counterfeit goods in Kenya. The Authority operates under the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry, State Department for Industry. In his capacity as Director, Mr. Osman provides strategic leadership and policy direction in enforcement operations, ensuring compliance with the Anti-Counterfeit Act, No. 13 of 2008, and coordinating multi-agency efforts aimed at curbing illicit trade and protecting consumers and legitimate businesses.

With an extensive career spanning over twenty-five (25) years in consumer protection and intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement, Mr. Osman brings a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge in law enforcement and regulatory compliance. He began his public service career in the year 2000 as an Investigating Officer and Prosecutor with the Weights and Measures Department, then under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, where he was instrumental in enforcing fair trade practices and consumer protection laws.

In 2010, Mr. Osman joined the Anti-Counterfeit Authority as an Anti-Counterfeit Inspector II, marking the beginning of his long and progressive service within the institution. Through diligence, integrity, and exemplary leadership, he rose through the ranks to become Regional Manager, Eldoret in 2016, and subsequently Regional Manager, Mombasa in 2018, overseeing enforcement operations in the entire Coast Region, including strategic points such as the Port of Mombasa and the Lunga Lunga Border Post. In these roles, he provided regional supervision of inspectors, coordinated enforcement operations in collaboration with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and other partners under the Multi-Agency Framework Against Illicit Trade (MAFAT).

Mr. Osman’s leadership has been pivotal in developing operational strategies that strengthen border control, enhance compliance with intellectual property laws, and safeguard the Kenyan market from counterfeit and substandard goods. His commitment to capacity building has also seen him mentor numerous enforcement officers and contribute to national policy development on IPR protection.

Academically, Mr. Osman holds a Bachelor of Education (Science) degree in Mathematics and Chemistry from Kenyatta University and a Master’s Degree in Intellectual Property from Ankara University, Turkey and currently pursuing Masters of Science in Governance, peace and security at Africa Nazarene university. He also holds a Diploma in Intellectual Property from Mount Kenya University and advanced professional certifications in Trademarks, Industrial Designs, Geographical Indications, Copyright, and Related Rights from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Additionally, he has successfully completed the Strategic Leadership Development Program (SLDP) and Senior Management Course at the Kenya School of Government (KSG), alongside numerous other professional and management courses focused on leadership, governance, and enforcement strategy.

Mr. Osman is a dedicated public servant, visionary leader, and strong advocate for consumer rights and fair trade. His exemplary service and contributions to the enforcement of intellectual property laws continue to play a crucial role in strengthening Kenya’s fight against counterfeiting and promoting a secure and competitive market environment. Osman is the Director Enforcement of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), the lead Kenya Government Authority mandated to Combat Counterfeiting, trade and other dealings in counterfeit goods. The Authority is under the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry- state Department of industry.