Maina Kageni: Majority of Kenyans wear counterfeit shoes, jerseys and sunglasses
By Steve Ireri, June 11, 2026Radio personality Maina Kageni has claimed that a large number of Kenyans unknowingly or knowingly wear counterfeit fashion items, including shoes, jerseys, and sunglasses.
In a Facebook post where he was weighing in on ongoing discussions about counterfeit goods and consumer habits in the country, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, Kageni questioned how original the average Kenyan wardrobe really is.
He argued that imitation products have become deeply embedded in everyday fashion, suggesting that many consumers may be wearing replicas without necessarily being aware of it or without prioritising authenticity due to cost considerations.
“Kenyans and counterfeit items… we’re looking to be honest. Ladies and gentlemen, what is in your entire wardrobe that is very original?” he wrote.
According to him, counterfeit items are not limited to one category, but cut across footwear, clothing, sports jerseys, and accessories such as sunglasses, which he said are widely circulated in the market.
“The majority of Kenyans have counterfeit (imitation or replica) shoes, sunglasses, jerseys… you name it!” he added.
In a recent statement, the ACA reiterated that counterfeit goods involve the unauthorised use of trademarks, logos, or protected intellectual property, and stressed that seizure of suspected goods does not amount to a final determination of guilt, as due process must be followed.
“Counterfeit goods are products that unlawfully use another person’s trademark, brand, logo, or other protected intellectual property without authorisation. While discussions around affordability are understandable, intellectual property rights exist to protect innovation, creativity, investment, and fair competition,” the authority wrote.
The authority also urged entrepreneurs to register their brands and protect their intellectual property, noting that stronger compliance helps promote fair competition and consumer confidence in the marketplace.
“The Authority also encourages entrepreneurs and emerging brands to protect their innovations through trademark registration and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Recordation. Today’s trader can become tomorrow’s brand owner, and ACA remains committed to supporting businesses that choose to innovate and build legitimate brands,” the authority added.