NOCK warns Kenyans against buying counterfeit Team Kenya merchandise

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) has issued a stern warning to the public over a surge in counterfeit merchandise bearing the protected Team Kenya logo, cautioning that only the committee and its authorised partners are permitted to produce and sell official apparel.

In a public notice released on Saturday, NOCK said the Team Kenya logo remains an exclusive trademark owned by the committee, and any unauthorised production or sale of branded gear amounts to infringement.

“The TEAM KENYA logo is a protected mark owned exclusively by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK). No individual, shop, or company is authorised to produce, distribute, or sell merchandise bearing this logo other than NOCK,” the statement read.

The committee urged Kenyans to avoid purchasing items marketed as Team Kenya products unless they originate from officially sanctioned channels.

Officials warned that unregulated merchandise exposes consumers and athletes to poor-quality items that misrepresent the national brand.

“We advise the public not to purchase any items from unauthorised sellers claiming to offer Team Kenya products unless officially authorised by NOCK,” the notice stated.

NOCK also appealed to athletes, sports officials, and supporters to help curb the circulation of counterfeit goods by reporting suspicious sellers or products.

According to the committee, safeguarding the integrity of the Team Kenya brand is a shared responsibility.

“To our athletes, the wider sports community, and supporters: You play a critical role in safeguarding our brand. By alerting us to any suspected counterfeit merchandise, you help protect both Team Kenya and yourselves from fake or unregulated products,” the statement said.

The committee noted that all genuine Team Kenya merchandise will be publicised through official NOCK communication channels and distributed either directly by the committee or through partners that have been formally announced.

“Official Team Kenya apparel and merchandise will always be communicated and supplied directly through NOCK or its formally announced partners,” the notice affirmed.

NOCK encouraged members of the public to seek clarification whenever in doubt about the authenticity of branded items.

“Always feel free to reach out to confirm the authenticity of any item before purchase,” it said, adding that Kenyans must remain vigilant: “Hii ni town, usikubali kuingishwa box.”

The committee’s warning comes amid growing commercial interest in Olympic-themed merchandise ahead of upcoming international competitions, raising concerns that counterfeiters may exploit demand for national team gear.