This archive report was first published on 5 October 2019.
On October 4, 2019, detectives from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority raided a warehouse at Nyamakima Complex in Nairobi, exposing a cartel that had been operating undetected for a long time.
The raid, which was initially intended to arrest the prime suspect, Mr. Joseph Mungai, turned into a full-scale operation as the detectives discovered more fake goods, including toiletries, shoe polish, beverages, and banned plastic bags.
Among the counterfeit goods seized were cartons of Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) revision books and set books, including A Doll's House, Memories we Lost, Blossoms of the Savannah, Chozi la Heri, Kigogo, and Inheritance.
The Kenya Publishers Association estimates that pirated books constitute 30 per cent of the total market of school books, massively undercutting genuine suppliers.
According to Vice Chairperson Simon Sossion, the issue has been complicated by counterfeiters who are using advanced scanning technology in countries such as China to duplicate the books.
Longhorn Group Chief Executive Officer Maxwell Wahome urged education stakeholders to ensure that learners purchase books from accredited sellers, pointing out some of the characteristics of fake books, including poor print quality and text that is not clear because they are usually photocopied.
