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The government has alerted the public about a rising wave of counterfeit stationery in the market, especially as schools reopen nationwide.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) says dishonest traders are targeting parents and students with enticing offers on items like scientific calculators and textbooks, potentially affecting academic performance.
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The warning follows an ACA enforcement operation in Nairobi’s Central Business District, where officers seized 2,996 fake scientific calculators worth about Sh8 million.
Abdi Abikar, ACA’s Nairobi manager, said counterfeit learning tools are a serious risk to students.
“Fake calculators can give wrong results or fail without warning. As students return to school, parents and retailers must ensure learners have genuine and reliable tools,” he said.
Counterfeit calculators are often sold at unusually low prices and designed to mimic authentic products, targeting parents, students, schools, and retailers.
A check by media revealed that while genuine scientific calculators from global brands like Casio sell for Sh2,050–Sh2,800 in local shops, rogue traders are offering them for Sh800–Sh1,500.
The ACA urged buyers to be cautious by purchasing only from authorised outlets and checking product authenticity before buying. Brands like CASIO have introduced QR-code verification systems to help consumers confirm genuine products easily.
Jared Kariuki, a bookshop owner on River Road, Nairobi, said rogue traders operating near legitimate stores create unfair competition.
“Parents and students risk losing money. The government must protect legal businesses. These counterfeit sellers offer substandard stationery right outside our shops,” he said. “It’s good that the anti-counterfeit body is active, but brands also need to educate customers on verifying genuine products.”
The ACA’s advisory comes months after the 2025 Consumer-Level Survey Report revealed that Kenya loses about Sh800 billion annually to counterfeit goods.
The report noted that fake products harm legitimate businesses, the government, and consumers’ health and safety, as many are low-quality or potentially hazardous.
The authority advised parents to stick to reputable retailers and avoid cheap roadside deals. “Counterfeit goods are dangerous and damage the economy. Report suspicious items to the nearest state office,” the ACA said.
The report also found that 60 per cent of counterfeit purchases are made through street vendors, while 31.27 per cent occur online.
