Popular Nairobi businesswoman Shiquo Wa Hii Styles has disputed claims attributed to Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Director of Enforcement Osman Yusuf that no goods were taken from her shop.
In an emotional video on June 12, Shiquo Wa Hii Styles stated that her shop was raided and that she has been operating in fear, wondering who would walk into her shop.
“I do not know why they are saying they did not carry goods from my shop (referring to Anti-Counterfeit Authority Director of Enforcement Osman Yusuf). I have been doing business with worry, wondering who will come to raid my shop. I will do business, and I deserve equal rights as everyone else doing business,” Shiquo said.
The businesswoman was responding to a statement by Anti-Counterfeit Authority Director of Enforcement Osman Yusuf, who was quoted in an article stating that the ACA did not conduct any operation at the shop (Shiquo Hii Style).
Shiquo Wa Hii Styles Speaks Out on Anti-Counterfeit Authority Claims
In her response, Shiquo voiced concerns over what she called unfair treatment and interference with her business operations and called for equal rights to operate it.
She also called for fairness in business practices, arguing that restrictions should be applied uniformly rather than selectively.
Further, she alleged that she is being targeted by unnamed individuals who, according to her, are attempting to disrupt her trade and control what she can or cannot sell.
She claimed that, despite having previously attempted to resolve the matter quietly, she has now chosen to “fight her battles in public,” saying she feels exhausted by ongoing frustrations in her business environment.
The businesswoman alleged that her business transactions and supply chains have been affected and suggested that certain actors may be influencing enforcement or regulatory actions against her operations.
Also Read: Shiquo wa Hii Style: How Viral TikTok Seller Built a Multi-Million Business From China Imports
What ACA Said About the Raid
On June 11, the authority said it has taken note of videos, media reports, and social media discussions concerning an alleged counterfeit-goods enforcement operation involving the entrepreneur and her retail business.
The Authority stated that it does not comment on ongoing investigations or matters that may be subject to legal processes but welcomed the opportunity to clarify the nature of counterfeiting, the legal framework guiding its enforcement activities, and the safeguards in place to protect traders’ rights, as well as the processes available to entrepreneurs seeking to build and protect legitimate brands in Kenya.
“While the Authority does not comment on ongoing investigations or matters that may be subject to legal processes, ACA welcomes the opportunity to provide clarity on the nature of counterfeiting, the legal framework that governs our enforcement activities, the safeguards we employ to protect traders’ rights and the pathway available to entrepreneurs who wish to build and protect legitimate brands in Kenya,” the Authority said.
Also Read: Popular Nairobi TikTok Seller Raided, Goods Worth Over Ksh 20M Taken Away
ACA maintained that its enforcement mandate targets only unlawful trade in counterfeit goods and does not interfere with legitimate business operations, stressing that its actions are directed exclusively at illegal dealings.
The Authority further noted that businesses that source products legally, maintain proper documentation, and comply with intellectual property laws have no reason to be concerned about enforcement actions.
The agency also detailed its investigative process, noting that cases may be triggered by complaints from intellectual property rights holders, routine market surveillance, intelligence-led operations, consumer reports, multi-agency enforcement exercises, or information submitted by members of the public.
It added that once there are reasonable grounds to suspect that goods may be counterfeit, its inspectors are legally mandated to carry out inspections and investigations, including conducting searches, detaining suspected goods and effecting seizures where necessary.
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