A Chinese national has been arrested in Nairobi’s Gikomba market after the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) seized 65,000 counterfeit socks and apparel valued at approximately KSh 50 million, in one of the largest pre-holiday enforcement operations this year.
The crackdown followed an Intellectual Property complaint filed by Spoor & Fisher, agents representing the affected global brands. Acting on the complaint, ACA launched an intelligence-led raid that uncovered a large consignment of counterfeit merchandise.
The operation, led by ACA Nairobi Regional Manager Mr. Abdi Abikar, revealed that the goods had been transshipped through Uganda to conceal their origin. Investigations indicate the suspect was a key distributor planning to release the counterfeit items into the market during the busy festive shopping period.
“This shipment was routed through Uganda to disguise its entry into the country, and the distributor intended to release these substandard goods during the peak holiday season,” said Mr. Abikar.
ACA officers, working alongside trademark agents, confirmed that the seized socks and apparel—bearing popular international brand names—were of poor quality and posed health and safety risks to consumers, in addition to causing significant economic losses to legitimate traders and manufacturers.
The suspect, considered a flight risk, was detained at Kamukunji Police Station. Authorities are now tracing his supply network, cross-border trafficking route, and possible local collaborators.
ACA Executive Director Robi M. King’a PhD commended the swift action, stressing that counterfeit clothing and footwear are far from harmless.
“Counterfeiting is not a victimless crime. It destroys jobs, wipes out industries, and exposes consumers to unsafe products. Our enforcement is not harassment—it is consumer protection,” said Dr. King’a.
He emphasized that genuine traders stand to gain the most when counterfeit networks are dismantled, as fake merchandise depresses prices, erodes customer confidence, and undermines Kenya’s manufacturing and retail sectors.
ACA has intensified surveillance under its Holiday Anti-Counterfeit Enforcement Campaign, targeting hotspots including Gikomba, Kamukunji, Eastleigh, and the Nairobi CBD as festive shopping peaks.
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