Nairobi businesswoman and online retailer Shiquo Hii Style is counting significant losses after officials from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) raided her store in the city’s Central Business District and seized merchandise suspected to be counterfeit. The operation took place at her shop located in RNG Plaza along Ronald Ngala Street. Authorities removed footwear, clothing, and accessories during the raid, leaving shelves noticeably empty and disrupting normal business operations. In a video statement on her official TikTok account, the trader has spoken out after the raid at her RNG Plaza outlet led to the seizure of stock allegedly worth up to KSh 20 million.
In videos shared on social media following the raid, Shiquo expressed shock at the scale of the seizure. Standing inside her shop, she described the incident as one of the most difficult moments she has faced since starting her business. She questioned whether sufficient verification had been conducted before the operation and said the sudden removal of stock had dealt a major blow to her enterprise. The ACA says such operations form part of its ongoing efforts to combat the circulation of counterfeit products in Kenya.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), via its X page, stated ” The @aca_kenya has issued a position statement following recent public discussions surrounding an alleged counterfeit goods enforcement operation concerning Shiquo Hii Style. ACA reiterates that counterfeit goods undermine legitimate businesses, intellectual property rights, innovation, and consumer confidence. The Authority also emphasizes that seizure of suspected counterfeit goods does not amount to a finding of guilt and that all enforcement actions are undertaken within the framework of the law and due process. The Authority encourages entrepreneurs and brand owners to protect their innovations through trademark registration and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Recordation, which strengthen legal protection against infringement and counterfeiting. Together, we can build a marketplace where genuine businesses thrive and consumers purchase with confidence”
Despite the setback, Shiquo said she intends to rebuild and continue operating. She also encouraged fellow traders to pay close attention to intellectual property laws and ensure that products are sourced through legitimate channels. The incident has sparked debate online, with some Kenyans expressing sympathy for the businesswoman while others have defended the authorities’ actions as necessary to protect consumers and legitimate brands from counterfeit goods.
The discussion has also raised broader questions about the supply chains that bring counterfeit products into the market. Some observers argue that enforcement efforts should extend beyond retailers and focus more heavily on importers, distributors, and other players higher up the supply chain.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority has intensified enforcement operations in recent months, targeting suspected counterfeit footwear, electronics, alcoholic beverages, vehicle spare parts, and other consumer goods across the country. The agency maintains that counterfeit products harm legitimate businesses, expose consumers to substandard goods, and reduce government tax revenue.
Under Kenya’s Anti-Counterfeit Act, inspectors have the authority to enter business premises, inspect goods, and seize products suspected of infringing intellectual property rights. Traders found dealing in counterfeit products may face legal penalties, including fines, forfeiture of goods, and possible prosecution.
