By Allan Kisia
Parliament has concluded debate on a Bill that seeks to protect the rights of consumers.
The Consumer Protection Bill 2011, if implemented, would prevent unfair trade practices and transactions. Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, who moved the Motion, said Kenyans must be protected from exploitation by businessmen and companies.
“Kenyans live at the mercy of matatu merchants. When it drizzles, bus fare shoots up and travellers are compelled to pay more. When this Bill passes, those who do it will face their clients in court the following day,” he added.
He reiterated it would be unlawful to hike prices by taking advantage of the prevailing conditions.
He further stated traders who steal from their clients by giving them less goods or services would not be spared. “I was shocked when I went for nyama choma in South Africa and found a kilogramme of beef is so big compared to a kilo of the same in Kenya. It is Kenyans fleecing Kenyans,” he explained.
Mvita MP Najib Balala said commercial banks are making billions of shillings in profits by exploiting clients. “When you hear profits banks make and you look at the country they operate in, it shocks you. These banks make billions in a poor country,” he stated. He further said the interest rates are far much lower in their mother countries.
Onyancha said motor vehicle repairers would be forced to give an estimate of the cost before work begins. “It must be within 10 per cent of the final cost. Motorists must also be told the time it will take to repair their vehicles,” he added.
