Anti-Counterfeit Authority seizes fake scientific calculators worth Ksh.8M in Nairobi

The warning follows an enforcement operation in Nairobi’s Central Business District where ACA officers seized 2,996 counterfeit scientific calculators worth an estimated KSh.8 million at Rubymall.

Speaking after the operation, ACA Nairobi Regional Manager Abdi Abikar said counterfeit learning tools pose serious risks to students, particularly during learning and examinations.

“Counterfeit calculators often produce inaccurate results or fail unexpectedly. Parents and schools should ensure learners use genuine and reliable learning tools as they return to school,” Abikar said.

According to the Authority, the counterfeit calculators are commonly sold at unusually low prices and packaged to closely resemble genuine brands, making them difficult for consumers to detect. ACA noted that back-to-school and examination periods are frequently targeted by traders pushing substandard products to unsuspecting buyers.

The Authority warned that trading in counterfeit goods carries severe legal penalties and urged consumers to purchase learning tools only from authorized retailers. Schools and parents were also advised to verify product authenticity before purchase.

ACA further noted that some manufacturers have introduced QR-based verification systems to help buyers confirm genuine products.

The Authority said enforcement operations against counterfeit educational tools will continue across the country as schools reopen, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspected counterfeit goods through official ACA channels.

To support this effort, brands such as CASIO have Introduced web-based QR-based authenticity verification systems, enabling consumers to easily confirm genuine products prior to use.