The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has impounded suspected counterfeit mobile phone LCD screens valued at approximately Ksh 36 million in an enforcement operation at Simara Mall along Accra Road in Nairobi's Central Business District.
The raid was conducted following a formal complaint lodged with the Authority by the affected Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) owner, whose registered trademarks were being infringed upon by the goods on sale at the premises.
Acting on the complaint and supporting intelligence, ACA enforcement officers recovered more than 40,000 assorted LCD screen products from premises operated by the suspect named in the seizure documents. A Chinese national, Mr. Huang Zhigang, was arrested in connection with the consignment and is currently being held at Nairobi Central Police Station as investigations continue.

The seized goods have been inventoried and detained pending the outcome of those investigations and appropriate legal action.
LCD screens are among the most sought-after components in Kenya's fast-growing mobile phone repair and accessories market, where they are used to replace damaged or worn-out displays. Their high demand among consumers, repair technicians and accessory dealers has, however, made the segment a soft target for counterfeit traders. Substandard screens often compromise the quality, durability and performance of mobile devices, exposing buyers to financial loss when the products fail prematurely.
Beyond the immediate cost, counterfeit screens can also affect touch sensitivity, display clarity, screen responsiveness and the overall lifespan of a device. For Kenyans who depend on mobile phones for business, communication, mobile money transactions and access to digital services, a poor-quality replacement screen can translate into repeat repair bills and avoidable disruption to daily life.
Speaking after the operation, ACA Nairobi Regional Manager Mr. Abdi Abikar said the seizure underlines the Authority's resolve to protect both consumers and legitimate IPR holders from the harm caused by counterfeit trade.
"This seizure demonstrates the Authority's continued vigilance in protecting consumers and safeguarding genuine businesses from the unfair competition posed by counterfeit products. We will continue to intensify enforcement operations against individuals involved in the counterfeit trade, and we encourage rights holders to come forward with complaints so that we can act decisively," said Mr. Abikar.
The case spotlights the growing need for vigilance in the mobile phone accessories and repair sector, where counterfeit goods can easily slip into the market on the back of high consumer demand and price sensitivity. ACA has cautioned traders against handling counterfeit goods and urged consumers to source mobile phone accessories only from reputable dealers.
The Authority is also reminding members of the public to verify products before purchase, examine packaging and finishing for tell-tale signs of fakes, avoid offers that appear suspiciously cheap, insist on receipts where possible, and report any suspected counterfeit goods to ACA for action.