NAIROBI, Kenya — The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has defended its enforcement operations amid growing public debate surrounding an alleged counterfeit goods investigation linked to entrepreneur Shiquo Hii Style, insisting that its mandate is to protect legitimate businesses and consumers rather than interfere with lawful trade.
In a position statement issued Thursday, the Authority said it had taken note of videos, media reports, and social media discussions regarding the matter but declined to comment on any ongoing investigation, citing legal and procedural requirements.
Instead, the ACA used the statement to explain the legal framework governing counterfeit goods and the safeguards available to traders whose products become the subject of enforcement action.
According to the Authority, counterfeit goods are products that unlawfully reproduce, imitate or use a registered trademark, logo, packaging, label, design or other protected intellectual property without authorization from the rights holder.
ACA warned that the trade in counterfeit products harms consumers, undermines legitimate businesses and weakens confidence in the marketplace. It added that the consequences extend beyond individual enterprises to Kenya’s broader economy through loss of tax revenue and damage to the country’s commercial reputation.
“It is critical to emphasize that the Anti-Counterfeit Authority does not interfere with legitimate business operations,” the statement said.
The Authority maintained that businesses selling genuine products, maintaining proper documentation and complying with intellectual property laws have no reason to fear enforcement action.
ACA further outlined the procedures followed during investigations, stating that cases may arise from complaints lodged by intellectual property rights holders, intelligence reports, consumer complaints, market surveillance activities or information received from the public.
Where goods are detained or seized, the Authority said inventories are prepared and affected parties are informed and granted an opportunity to present documentation supporting the authenticity and lawful acquisition of their products.
The statement noted that rights holders or their representatives may also participate in technical verification processes and that affected traders retain the right to challenge enforcement decisions before competent courts.
Significantly, ACA welcomed indications that the entrepreneur at the centre of recent public discussion intends to build a distinct brand, encouraging traders and innovators to utilise Kenya’s intellectual property protection mechanisms.
The Authority highlighted trademark registration through the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) as a key avenue for safeguarding brands and securing exclusive ownership rights.
It also urged trademark owners to take advantage of the ACA Intellectual Property Recordation System, which enables registered rights holders to record their trademarks with the Authority to strengthen enforcement against counterfeit products.
The statement comes amid heightened public scrutiny of intellectual property enforcement in Kenya, with increasing attention on the balance between protecting innovation and ensuring fair treatment of entrepreneurs.
ACA concluded by calling for collective action against counterfeiting, urging businesses to source products from legitimate suppliers, maintain proper records and comply with intellectual property laws. Consumers were encouraged to purchase goods from reputable outlets, verify authenticity where possible and report suspected counterfeit products.
The Authority reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law fairly, professionally and transparently while protecting both consumers and legitimate businesses operating within Kenya’s legal framework.
