The business of looking rich: Why Kenyans are buying knock-off brands

In Kenya, demand for counterfeit luxury goods is booming, driven by social media pressure and the desire to project status. The Anti-Counterfeit Authority seized fake items worth 87 million shillings in April, with shoes and clothing accounting for 43%. Executive director Robi King'a says consumers, especially youth, prefer to buy multiple fake luxury items rather than one authentic piece. This trend also affects Kenya's trade relations as a signatory to the Trips intellectual property agreement.