World Consumer Rights Day 2024 - These Are Your Rights


Consumers possess certain rights crucial for their protection against exploitation or deception, as well as to guarantee they receive full value for their money. Being aware of these rights is essential to prevent exploitation or deceit. 

However, individuals may sometimes be unaware of their rights, which can pose challenges. World Consumer Rights Day aims to enhance awareness about these rights. It is distinct from National Consumer Rights Day, as the former is observed globally with a broader focus, while the latter is celebrated nationally, albeit with similar rights in mind.

Anyone who has encountered issues with a purchased product or service understands the existence of consumer rights, including the right to receive a refund for a defective item. Nonetheless, it's beneficial to comprehend one's specific consumer rights and how to safeguard them.



Every year, World Consumer Rights Day is observed on March 15. This year, this special day fell on Friday. 

On March 15, 1962, President John F. Kennedy of the United States delivered a speech to the US Congress focusing on consumer rights, marking the inaugural instance of a global leader addressing this issue. In 1983, the inaugural World Consumer Rights Day was commemorated, subsequently gaining recognition from the United Nations.

On this occasion, individuals unite to raise awareness about existing consumer rights, aimed at shielding them from discrimination, unjust practices, and exploitation. The optimal approach to commemorate this day is by familiarizing ourselves with our consumer rights and understanding how to enforce them. Additionally, this day motivates people to play a more proactive role in safeguarding their rights and ensuring protection against malpractices.

In Kenya, an act protecting consumers rights was enacted by the parliament of Kenya. The act was enacted to observe consumer rights by both public and private entities, as required by Article 46 of the Constitution of Kenya. The Consumer Protection Act, 2012 is an act of parliament that provides for the protection of the consumer, prevents unfair trade practices in consumer transactions, and promotes the social and economic welfare of consumers in Kenya. 

To effectively safeguard the consumer, The Competition Authority of Kenya was established. 

The Competition Authority of Kenya is instituted in accordance with section 7 of the Competition Act No. 12 of 2010 (Act), with responsibilities including the promotion and enforcement of adherence to the Act. Among the aims of the Act is safeguarding consumers against unjust and deceptive market practices.

To fulfill its mandate efficiently, the Act underwent an amendment in 2016, incorporating section 70 (A), granting the Authority the authority not only to independently launch investigations into consumer infringements but also to enforce administrative remedies.

Article 46 of the Constitution of Kenya provides for the following consumer rights:

  1. Goods and services of reasonable quality. 
  2. Information necessary to enable consumers gain full benefit from goods and services. 
  3. Protection of consumer health, safety and economic interests.
  4. Compensation for loss or injury arising from defects in goods or services. 

READ: The Competition Authority of Kenya - Consumer Protection Guidelines.



There is more to learn about consumer rights and when and when not does it apply. So, I urge you to take a deep dive and discover much more about your rights and how to ensure your safety as a consumer even as we continue to celebrate this special day. 

The theme of this year's World Consumer Rights Day is 'Fair and Responsible AI For Consumers'.



Subscribe to Follow our Open Forum Political Talk Show Here: Sound Candid Talk - Youtube

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mwaura: DCI is Investigating Allegations Regarding Counterfeit Fertilizer

Image
The government is looking into allegations of counterfeit fertilizer following public outcry, as stated by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura. Mwaura mentioned that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has initiated an investigation into the purported counterfeit fertilizer. "I want to assure you that those found culpable of supplying not only the fertilizer but also any other form of fake farm inputs shall be apprehended and prosecuted," Mwaura said. He mentioned that the government's decision to provide subsidized fertilizer assists in protecting small-scale farmers from fluctuations in fertilizer prices. The government representative stated that the fertilizer identified as counterfeit is a commercially sold product under an agency agreement outside the NCPB system. "The product is not part of the GOK subsidized fertilizer availed to registered farmers," he said.  He mentioned that every fertilizer distributed through the Government Subsidized Program...
Read more

Enter Gen Z: Youthful Activists Flood Streets in Mass Protest Against 'Punitive' Tax Bill

Image
Picture Story... In a wave of youthful activism, swarms of Kenyan youth marched peacefully against the controversial Finance Bill, 2024, employing a blend of traditional and modern protest tactics including singing, dancing, tweeting, vlogging, and TikToking.  An AI depiction of the movement. This movement, marked by a carnival-like atmosphere and extensive use of technology, was a stark contrast to past demonstrations. Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, demonstrators faced teargas as 204 government-allied MPs voted to advance the bill to its second reading for further discussion. In opposition, 115 MPs voted against the bill and pledged to continue their fight. The protestors, part of a burgeoning movement, demanded a fairer fiscal system to address the hardships faced by ordinary Kenyans. Protesters in cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret used songs and social media hashtags like #OccupyEldoret to mobilize, carrying placards with messages like 'Zakayo mu...
Read more

Reason Why Maraga Team Want Separation of APs and Kenya Police at Senior Level

Image
Retired Chief Justice David Maraga handing over the report of the National Taskforce on Police Reforms to the president on November 16, 2023, at Statehouse, Nairobi. Some time at the beginning of the Kenya Kwanza administration in late 2022, President William Ruto established the National Taskforce on Police and Prisons Reforms chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga.  Last year Maraga presented the report of the National Taskforce on Police Reforms at Statehouse Nairobi. The team sought reforms aimed at addressing major challenges bedeviling the police service. The reforms await implementation.  If implemented, there may soon be alterations in the responsibilities carried out by police officers, potentially impacting your safety after the team proposed separating the Kenya Police and Administration Police services in a massive restructuring operation. Prior to the enactment of the 2010 Constitution, the Administration Police primarily focused on administrative and protec...
Read more