Businesswoman Shiquo Hii Style has claimed that she is being unfairly targeted in what she described as a crackdown on her business operations.
In a video posted on her TikTok platform, Shiquo alleged what she described as selective targeting and intimidation in the handling of counterfeit-related concerns.
She expressed frustration over what she termed as persistent interference with her business activities, insisting that other traders are allowed to operate freely while she faces scrutiny.
“I’m tired of working in vain,” she said, expressing dissatisfaction over the challenges she claims to have encountered.
She alleged that there was unequal treatment in the business environment, suggesting that individuals with connections are allowed to operate without similar restrictions.
“There is someone whose uncle, aunt, brother, or sister is somewhere. They can do business the way I do, but for me, I can’t?” she posed.
Shiquo further claimed she would not be intimidated into abandoning her business, maintaining that she intends to continue operating despite the pressure she says she is facing.
“There are those saying we should not do this work, yet their relatives are in those offices,” she claimed, suggesting that external influences were affecting how her business was being treated.
“They can sell, but they are saying I can’t sell… why?” she added.
She also addressed earlier concerns surrounding counterfeit allegations linked to her business.
Under Kenya's Anti-Counterfeit Act, 2018, counterfeit goods are defined as products that unlawfully reproduce, imitate, copy, or use a registered trademark, logo, packaging, label, design, or any other protected intellectual property without the permission of the owner.
This means products bearing a brand name, logo, or design that closely resembles a protected trademark may be considered counterfeit if used without authorisation.
Shiquo said that if there was any issue involving her stock, it likely arose from what she described as a mistake linked to a wrong transaction, adding that she was not aware of any wrongdoing.
In her remarks, she also spoke broadly about the struggles faced by entrepreneurs in the country, saying many young businesspeople are trying to improve their livelihoods but face repeated setbacks.
“I have God. I am tired of listening to Kenyans cry because of poverty. We have the minds. Whenever we start planning, someone 'cuts down your legs',” she said.
She alleged that unnamed individuals and offices were behind what she described as frustrations targeting her business operations.
Despite the challenges she outlined, Shiquo maintained that she remains determined to continue with her business activities and rejected suggestions that she has been forced out of the market.
On June 11, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) issued a statement following public discussion surrounding alleged counterfeit-related enforcement linked to Shiquo Hii Style.
In the statement, the Authority said it had taken note of videos, media reports and social media discussions regarding the matter.
“While the Authority does not comment on ongoing investigations or matters that may be subject to legal processes, ACA welcomes the opportunity to provide clarity on the nature of counterfeiting, the legal framework that governs our enforcement activities, the safeguards we employ to protect traders' rights and the pathway available to entrepreneurs who wish to build and protect legitimate brands in Kenya,” the Authority said.
Without directly addressing the specifics of the case, ACA explained that under the Anti-Counterfeit Act, 2018, counterfeit goods are products that unlawfully reproduce, imitate, copy or use protected trademarks, logos, packaging, labels, designs or other intellectual property without authorisation from the rights holder.
The Authority said such products mislead consumers, unfairly compete with legitimate businesses and undermine confidence in the marketplace.
ACA maintained that its enforcement activities are aimed solely at unlawful trade in counterfeit goods and not legitimate business operations.
“It is critical to emphasise that the Anti-Counterfeit Authority does not interfere with legitimate business operations. ACA's enforcement activities are directed exclusively at unlawful trade in counterfeit goods,” the statement said.
According to the Authority, businesses that source products legally, maintain proper documentation and comply with intellectual property laws have nothing to fear from enforcement actions.
The agency said investigations may arise from complaints by intellectual property rights holders, market surveillance, intelligence reports, consumer complaints, multi-agency operations or information received from members of the public.
It added that where reasonable grounds exist to suspect goods may be counterfeit, inspectors are empowered by law to conduct inspections, investigations, searches, detentions and seizures.
The Authority further stated that traders whose goods are detained or seized are entitled to due process, including documentation of inventories, notification of action taken, and an opportunity to provide documents supporting the authenticity and lawful acquisition of the goods.
It also noted that affected parties have the right to challenge enforcement actions before a court of competent jurisdiction.
ACA further said goods are released to owners where investigations establish that they are genuine and do not infringe intellectual property rights.
The Authority also acknowledged public remarks attributed to Shiquo expressing interest in developing her own brand, saying it welcomes such entrepreneurial ambitions.
It encouraged traders and entrepreneurs to build distinctive brands and seek protection through trademark registration with the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI).
ACA said it remains committed to enforcing the law fairly, professionally and transparently.
