The Anti-Counterfeit Authority has addressed reports on the confiscation of suspected counterfeit goods from a popular store in Nairobi CBD on Tuesday.

The Authority said the raid on Shiquo Hii Style’s shop was not a targeted campaign but rather part of an intelligence-led enforcement across the country based on complaints, surveillance and investigations. 

“The operation does not imply that this is the only trader suspected of dealing in counterfeit goods. ACA conducts intelligence-led enforcement across the country based on complaints, surveillance, and investigations. Operations are carried out at different times all over the coutry as cases develop. We remain committed to fair, impartial enforcement and due process for all affected parties,” ACA said in response to concerns on the alleged raid.

Businesswoman and social media personality ‘Shiquo Hii Style’ had earlier hinted that authorities allegedly raided her business premises and confiscated goods worth millions of shillings over claims that the products were counterfeit.

ACA said the constitution allows them to seize suspected counterfeit goods without a court ruling, but they are obligated to apply due process throughout the investigations and further legal proceedings. 

“Section 23 of the Anti-Counterfeit Act, 2008 empowers ACA inspectors to enter premises, inspect, search, seize and detain goods reasonably suspected to be counterfeit. The purpose of seizure is to preserve evidence and prevent further circulation of suspected counterfeit goods pending investigations and legal processes,” read part of their statement.

According to the ACA, all products made, packaged and sold to imitate genuine brands without authorization from the owners mislead consumers into believing that they are purchasing authentic products.

A section of Kenyans online has supported this move, suggesting that counterfeits undermine property rights and legitimate brands that have invested heavily in quality, innovation and trust over time. However, some have disagreed, claiming that the authority’s activity will lead to unemployment.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority has confirmed that the confiscated goods will not be released into the market once confirmed to be counterfeit unless otherwise. They have argued that aggrieved parties have a constitutional right to pursue redress in court. 

Additionally, they have also warned Jersey traders who are selling goods within Ksh.500 to Ksh.1500 range to be cautious, claiming that there is no legitimate jersey available for those prices.

ACA has called on Kenyans to report any case of suspected manufacturing, distribution and selling of counterfeit products.

Speaking after the raid, Shiquo described the incident as one of the biggest setbacks she has faced in business, saying the losses were too significant to comprehend fully.

“The greatest lesson, and what gave me strength today, is not to think about myself because if I think about myself, I don’t even have the power to continue,” she said.

Shiquo wa Hii Style Speaks Out After Store Raid and Shoe Seizure.
She argued that the losses were extensive and affected a business she had worked hard to build over the years.

“I can’t even count the kind of losses we’ve experienced. What happened to me should not happen to anyone,” she said.

Despite the setback, the entrepreneur vowed to rebuild and continue with her business journey.

“We are going to start again. Everything happens for a reason,” she said.

Shiquo urged her supporters and fellow business owners to learn from her experience and to share her story widely.

She said she did not want anyone else to go through what she had experienced and encouraged people to spread awareness about the incident.