A Chinese national was arrested at Nairobi’s Gikomba Market after the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) confiscated an estimated 65,000 counterfeit socks and assorted apparel valued at nearly Sh50 million.

The seizure followed complaints from several international brands accusing the suspect of unlawfully using their trademarks. ACA officials launched investigations that led to the Thursday morning raid.

ACA Nairobi Regional Manager Abdi Abikar, who led the operation, said the shipment had been routed through Uganda in an apparent attempt to disguise its 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 stated.

Authorities believe the suspect is a major distributor who was preparing to flood the market with fake merchandise ahead of the festive period.

Following his arrest, the suspect described as a flight risk was detained at Kamukunji Police Station as investigators move to dismantle the wider network behind the shipment. Officials are tracing the supply chain, the cross-border trafficking route, and any local collaborators involved.

ACA Executive Director Robi King’a warned that the counterfeit items posed both economic and health risks.

“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,” King’a said.

ACA officers, working with trademark representatives, confirmed the seized socks and apparel which bore the names of popular international brands were of visibly poor quality and failed to meet basic safety standards.

King’a added that the authority will intensify surveillance during the festive season, especially in known hotspots such as Gikomba, Kamukunji, Eastleigh, and the Nairobi CBD, where counterfeit trade typically surges.

“Genuine traders stand to gain the most when counterfeit networks are dismantled, as fake merchandise depresses prices, erodes customer confidence, and undermines Kenya’s manufacturing and retail sectors,” he said.

The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.