The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has successfully recovered over Ksh3 billion in the past five years from individuals exploiting their societal positions to abuse Small and Medium Businesses.
According to Shaka Kariuki, these efforts are in line with the CAK’s commitment to strengthen complaints resolution mechanisms, building on past victories where consumers saved Ksh4.6 billion and an additional Ksh830 million through crackdowns on cement and paint manufacturers in recent years.
The CAK’s interventions primarily stem from Section 21 of the Competition Act, which explicitly addresses restrictive trade practices that undermine competition in the trade of goods and services.
It prohibits agreements, decisions, and concerted practices among undertakings that may prevent, distort, or lessen competition in any goods or services in Kenya.
The authority highlighted that its scope extends beyond manufacturers, targeting specific sectors based on the evidence provided.
Notably, the CAK revealed a shift in the trend from major cities like Nairobi to rural areas, prompting an expansion of its focus.
In the coming years, the CAK pledges to concentrate on supporting the Government’s agenda in key sectors such as Agriculture, Healthcare, Housing, and the Digital Superhighway, while also providing support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
Speaking at the ICN advocacy workshop, the CAK highlighted their commitment to increase compliance officers across counties to address emerging complaints stemming from evolving manufacturing trends.
The move is seen as a proactive measure to stay ahead of potential issues and maintain a vigilant stance against unfair trade practices.
The ICN advocacy workshop serves as a platform to showcase the effectiveness of advocacy initiatives deployed by competition agents globally.
It aims to highlight how these activities have enhanced regulation and enforcement in various jurisdictions.
Willard Mwemba, the chief executive officer of the Comesa Competition Commission said the workshop underscores the importance of a collaborative and vigilant approach whose outcome is expected to ensure a level playing field for businesses and consumers.
“This is a very important workshop being held in Nairobi and it highlights the efforts of different competition agencies in advocating for consumer rights,” said Dr Mwemba.
gandae@businessdayafrica.org