A Chinese national was arrested at Nairobi’s Gikomba Market after the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) intercepted a major shipment of counterfeit socks and apparel valued at about KSh50 million.
The suspect was nabbed following complaints from several international brands, which reported that their trademarks were being used illegally. The reports triggered an investigation that culminated in Friday’s raid.
ACA Nairobi Regional Manager Abdi Abikar, who led the operation, said the goods were allegedly sneaked into the country through Uganda in an attempt to mask their true point of origin.
“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,” Abikar said.
Authorities believe the man was a key supplier preparing to flood the market with fake socks during the festive shopping rush.
Following the arrest, the suspect whom officials describe as a flight risk was taken to Kamukunji Police Station. Investigators are now mapping out his supply chain, suspected cross-border trafficking routes, and any local associates linked to the racket.
ACA Executive Director Robi King’a warned that the counterfeit goods would have posed serious risks to both consumers and the economy had they made it into the market.
“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,” she said.
King’a added that ACA officers, working closely with trademark agents, confirmed that the seized merchandise stamped with popular international brand labels was of noticeably poor quality.
The authority has now heightened surveillance across known counterfeit hotspots, including Gikomba, Kamukunji, Eastleigh, and the Nairobi CBD, as holiday shopping intensifies.
“Genuine traders stand to gain the most when counterfeit networks are dismantled, because fake merchandise depresses prices, erodes customer confidence, and undermines Kenya’s manufacturing and retail sectors,” King’a said.
