Several traders in Nairobi County have had suspected counterfeit electronic devices worth Kshs. 5 million were confiscated by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA).
Four merchants were arrested as a result of the sting operation, which was carried out in partnership with the National Police Service. They are expected to be charged in court.
According to ACA, the Thursday night operation was carried out in response to public complaints about the poor quality of some of the accessories offered to them by the abovementioned vendors, despite the fact that they had the names of well-known companies such as Samsung.
Thousands of suspected fake mobile phone accessories labeled “SAMSUNG” including as phone chargers, earphones, headsets, and back covers were seized at the traders’ four wholesale locations along Nairobi’s Ronald Ngala Avenue.
The ACA has advised unscrupulous dealers against deceiving consumers by adopting the names of well-known brands.
Traders were warned that they risk prosecution for fostering the illegal activity, which loses the economy billions in tax income while putting consumers’ lives in danger owing to poor quality.
Flora Mutahi, the Chairperson, Board of Directors Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) said the economy suffers dearly when allowing counterfeit goods to circulate in the market.
She added that the authority had seized goods worth 3.5 Billion in the last 5 years.
“We’ve seized counterfeit goods worth KSh3.5B and destroyed goods worth KSh1.4B in the last 5 years. We’ve intensified public awareness & outreach. There’s a need to strengthen border controls.”
