The arrest followed weeks of quiet surveillance after several international brands complained about their trademarks being misused in the local market.
My earlier coverage on rising counterfeit activities in Nairobi appeared to mirror the trend highlighted in this latest crackdown.
The operation was led by ACA Nairobi Regional Manager Abdi Abikar, who explained that investigators became suspicious after learning that the shipment had been routed through Uganda.
The operation was led by ACA Nairobi Regional Manager Abdi Abikar, who explained that investigators became suspicious after learning that the shipment had been routed through Uganda.
According to Abikar, this was a tactic used to hide the true origin of the goods before they were delivered into Nairobi’s open-air markets.
During the raid, officers seized more than 65,000 pairs of counterfeit socks bearing popular brand names.
During the raid, officers seized more than 65,000 pairs of counterfeit socks bearing popular brand names.
ACA officials believe the suspect was one of the main suppliers preparing to flood the market during the festive season, a period when demand for cheap clothing sharply rises.
The suspect was immediately taken to Kamukunji Police Station after ACA declared him a flight risk.
The suspect was immediately taken to Kamukunji Police Station after ACA declared him a flight risk.
Authorities say he will remain in custody as they widen investigations into a larger network believed to stretch across borders.
Teams are now tracking possible collaborators in Uganda and Kenya, as well as local traders who may have stocked or transported the fake goods.
ACA Executive Director Robi King’a warned that counterfeit products are not harmless. She said that poor-quality clothing can expose customers to health risks and also damage the local textile industry.
ACA Executive Director Robi King’a warned that counterfeit products are not harmless. She said that poor-quality clothing can expose customers to health risks and also damage the local textile industry.
According to King’a, counterfeit trade denies the government revenue, kills investment, and creates an unfair marketplace for honest business owners.
She added that the seized items were of extremely poor quality and easily identifiable as fakes when compared to genuine products.
She added that the seized items were of extremely poor quality and easily identifiable as fakes when compared to genuine products.
Trademark agents working with ACA confirmed that the brands printed on the socks were used without permission.
King’a also announced that the agency will step up inspections across Nairobi during the festive season.
King’a also announced that the agency will step up inspections across Nairobi during the festive season.
Areas such as Gikomba, Kamukunji, Eastleigh, and the CBD have been marked as hotspots where counterfeit goods usually enter the market.
She noted that legitimate traders stand to benefit the most when fake products are removed, as customers regain trust and prices stabilise.
The suspect is expected to face charges once investigations are completed, marking another major win in Kenya’s efforts to fight counterfeit trade.
The suspect is expected to face charges once investigations are completed, marking another major win in Kenya’s efforts to fight counterfeit trade.
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