On March 15, Kenya and the rest of the world mark World Consumer Rights Day.
The day presents a chance to demand that the rights of all consumers are protected and respected, and to protect them against market abuses as well as guarding against social injustices that undermine those rights.
President John F Kennedy inspired world Consumer Rights Day on March 15, 1962, when he formally addressed the issue of consumer rights. The consumer movement first marked that date in 1983 and it has been celebrating it annually to date, mobilising action on important issues and campaigns.This year theme is ‘Fair Digital Finance’.
Consumers are protected by the consumer Bill of Rights, which states that consumers have the right to be informed, to choose, to safety, to be heard, have access to basic goods and services necessary for survival and protection from hazardous products, just mentioning a few.
By celebrating this day, we make others aware of the rights to demand protection and stay safe from the fraudulent activities taking place daily without correction in the market. Consumer rights are legal entitlement for one to have it. So why deny that right to the consumers. That’s unlawful.
Lets speak out and get better remedy. Many countries have variations of the stated consumers rights but almost every developed country agrees to safety, information, choice and the right to be heard.
There is need to celebrate this day as data shows consumer rights violation has become a norm not only in Kenya but also globally.
It thus important to raise the alarm while still early before it gets worse. Consumers rights in Kenya are guaranteed under Article 46 of the Constitution and statutory rights under the Consumer Protection Act 2013 and the Competition Act 2010.
Rodgers Otiso,
Student, Rongo University
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