Watchdogs have let consumers down

Every day, there are many violations and infringements of consumers’ rights across the country from substandard products, misleading product information to toxic chemicals found in our food system. It is such a common occurrence that Kenyans have come to accept these violations without too many questions.

Regulatory agencies have been in existence in Kenya even before we gained independence. They are spread out across every sector in public service including health, manufacturing, tourism, insurance and agriculture. Regulators are typically created by Parliament to implement and enforce specific laws. They tend to have quasi-legislative, executive and judicial functions. Arguably, however, the most important role of the majority of regulators is consumer protection.