Competition enforcement and consumer protection in a digital economy

Stellah Onyancha, Director of Competition and Consumer Protection Authority of Kenya (CAK)

Competition Agencies the world over face similar challenges; the regulated often accuse them of being quick to punish but slow to sensitize them about the relevant laws in order to enhance compliance. On the other hand, many consumers (the ultimate beneficiaries of regulation) are unaware of their wide-ranging rights in a commercial transaction or the remedies available to them when their rights are infringed upon.

Indeed, for markets to operate efficiently, driven singularly by forces of supply and demand, all stakeholders (producers and consumers) need a good understanding of Competition Law and the benefits accruing from its effective application.