The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has seized nearly 3,000 fake scientific calculators in a raid at Rubymall in Nairobi’s central business district.

The operation took place on Friday, September 26, 2025, and targeted counterfeit goods intended for unsuspecting students ahead of national examinations.

According to the ACA, inspectors confiscated 2,996 devices with an estimated market value of Ksh8 million.

One person of interest was arrested at the scene and is now assisting investigators.

The calculators were imitations of a leading international brand and were meant to be sold to parents and students preparing for end-of-year exams.

In a statement posted on its X account on Saturday, September 27, the authority confirmed the raid and warned of the dangers posed by counterfeit products.

ACA Nairobi Regional Manager Abdi Abikar said the fake calculators could mislead students during critical exams.

He stressed that learners depend on accuracy and speed in subjects such as mathematics and physics, and faulty devices could cost them marks and future opportunities.

“We are intensifying enforcement — counterfeiters will face the full force of the law,” Abikar stated. He urged parents and students to be vigilant when buying learning materials.

Experts in the education sector have also raised an alarm.

Counterfeit devices often malfunction, display incorrect functions, or break down within a short period of use. Such risks place young learners at a serious disadvantage, particularly during timed tests where precision is essential.

Counterfeit awareness

The raid in Nairobi comes as ACA steps up its fight against counterfeit goods across the country.

A recent Firm-Level Survey Report 2025 shows that awareness of counterfeit products among Kenyan firms has risen sharply.

The report revealed that 71 per cent of businesses in major sectors have encountered counterfeit items in their markets, up from only 30 per cent in 2020.

The study covered sectors such as automotive spare parts, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, electronics, energy, and alcoholic beverages.

It found that nearly one in five products on the market could be counterfeit. Automotive spare parts and alcoholic drinks showed the highest prevalence, with counterfeit rates of 21 per cent and 19 per cent, respectively.

The report also highlighted the role of online platforms in the spread of fake goods. Social media sites, e-commerce platforms, and classified adverts are now dominant distribution channels.

This trend shows how counterfeiters are adapting quickly to changing market conditions and consumer behaviour.

While awareness has grown, the report noted that many firms still lack effective strategies to combat the problem.

Few companies have adopted measures such as product serialisation, traceability systems, or direct collaboration with enforcement agencies. ACA said this gap between awareness and action remains a major concern.