- This year’s event is being hosted in collaboration with the COMESA Competition Commission (CCC).
- CAK’s mandate is to promote public knowledge and awareness of consumers’ rights.
Image: COURTESY
The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) is today hosting a three-day Consumers International Global Congress in Nairobi.
The event which is the first to be held in Africa will bring together government officials, international agencies, businesses and civil society organizations to tackle pressing issues impacting consumers worldwide.
Kenya was picked as the host nation after its successful bid.
The last edition of the congress was held in Portugal in 2019 with Brazil playing host for the 2105 summit.
Other countries that have hosted it are Australia hosted in 2007 and Hong Kong 2011.
The event is being organized by the London-headquartered charity firm Consumers International and brings together members of the global consumer movement and leading cross-sector influencers to tackle pressing issues impacting consumers worldwide.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will give his address during the opening of the meeting.
Its objective is to develop practical solutions to consumer protection issues, especially in emerging areas, and building a powerful coalition across government, international agencies, business and civil society, while ensuring that consumers are part of the dialogue.
CAK’s mandate is to promote public knowledge and awareness of consumers’ rights.
The agency’s acting Director General Adano Wario said in a statement that Kenya’s selection as host country, is emblematic of the milestones achieved in promoting consumers’ welfare in recent years and on issues that positively impact the lives of a majority of citizens.
“We look forward to sharing our experience in promoting consumer protection both nationally and regionally as we work towards common solutions with leaders in attendance,” Wario said.
This year’s event is being hosted in collaboration with the COMESA Competition Commission (CCC).
CAK’s consumer-related case workload has increased three-fold in the past five years, cutting across sectors such as finance and insurance, wholesale & retail, and e-commerce.
Additionally, the Authority has investigated cases on its own motion relating to, among others, maize and wheat flour, bread, cooking oil and juice sector, and digital financial services to address various infringements.
As the World battles rising food prices, advances climate change goals, and safeguards vulnerable consumers amidst rapid digitization, the Congress’ agenda will ask crucial questions of decision-makers and seek further collaboration across those instrumental to marketplace change.
Consumers International and the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Association President Marimuthu Nadason said Congress will happen as the World emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic and as we see the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and climate change.
“Global leaders have a short window of opportunity to address the most significant challenges threatening people and the planet. Over the past years, we have seen that breakthrough solutions will be reliant on consumers. Our Congress is a place for marketplace actors to build real trust with consumers and their advocates,” said Helena Leurent, Director General, of Consumers International.