Johannesburg: AfricUpdate – News Desk
At the recently concluded International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) Conference, the Director-General of the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK), Mr. David Kemei, delivered a presentation on African countries’ perspectives on consumer protection, with a particular focus on digital financial services and e-commerce.
Mr. Kemei noted that these sectors are witnessing exponential growth across Africa, fueled by high internet and mobile phone penetration, innovative payment platforms, rapid technological advancements, and supportive government policies. Drawing from Kenya’s experience, he outlined key consumer concerns including hidden or unclear charges, aggressive debt recovery methods, misuse of personal data, lack of refund and warranty policies, misleading advertisements, fraud, and counterfeiting.
He also discussed Kenya’s institutional and regulatory framework for managing e-commerce and digital finance, while acknowledging persistent enforcement challenges such as limited regulatory capacity, the need to formalize digital lenders and online traders, and gaps in cross-border regulatory cooperation.
Mr. Kemei emphasized the need to enhance consumer literacy, ensuring that citizens understand their rights in digital markets and the mechanisms available to seek redress when those rights are violated. He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to fostering a safe, transparent, and inclusive digital economy that protects consumers while encouraging innovation and growth.
