Methods of Consumer Protection
They are usually of two types
- Government initiated methods
- Consumer initiated methods
Government Initiated Methods
- Food and drug act - They ensure that producers and sellers do not include harmful substances into products sold to the public
- Public health act - Ensures that products sold are hygienics and of good quality
- Rents control act - Ensures that tenants are not exploited by landlords
- Weights and measures act - Ensures that weighing and measuring equipment are accurate and correct
- Setting up standards - Through KEBS, to ensure that the set standards are kept and maintained by traders and producers
- Price controls - sets standard prices beyond which essential goods cannot be sold
- Sale of goods act/trade descriptions act - Ensures that producers do not cheat by providing false information about the products they produce
Government Institutions Involved in Consumer Protection
- Kenya Bureau of standards (KEBS) which ensures that the set standards are maintained
- Business Rent Tribunal which arbitrates on rent disputes between tenants and landlords
- Department of Weights and Measures
Functions of KEBS
- Follow up on consumer complaints regarding standards of goods
- Setting up standards for all goods and services to meet in Kenya
- Publish information on the standards which goods should have
- Ensure maintenance of standards by traders
- Take legal action against traders who sale counterfeit goods and low quality goods
- Testing samples of goods for quality and standards
Consumer Initiated Methods
Functions of the Kenya Consumer Organization
- Receive and deal with consumer complaints
- Educate consumers on their rights and responsibilities
- Publish information for consumers
- Work closely with government in promoting consumer interests
- Presents consumers complaints
- Take legal actions in the interest of consumers