Mutoro elected head of consumer council

By ABIGAEL SUM

Consumers Federation of Kenya Secretary General Stephen Mutoro has been elected chair of Kenya Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (Kecopac).

He was voted in unopposed during the Kecopac inaugural meeting on Wednesday while Rosebella Oiro of CUTS-Nairobi was elected as vice-chairperson.

The elections also saw Michael Goa of Law Society of Kenya elected chairperson of Finance, Administration and Communication Committee, Nuru Mugambi (Kenya Bankers Association) was elected chair Technical and Commercial Committee while Bishop Jackson Kosgey was elected chairperson Governance, Audit and Risk Committee.

Kenya Consumer Protection Advisory Committee was established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2012, which was signed into law in March 2013.

It is tasked with bringing the rights of consumers into focus in a market where they have been overlooked for years. The nine-member committee was set up in November last year to ensure consumer rights are not infringed upon.

Kecopac is mandated to formulate policy relating to the Consumer Protection Act and legislative proposals in the interest of consumers and the modification, consolidation or updating of legislation providing protection to consumers in the areas covered under the Act.

They are required to provide advice to consumers on their rights and responsibilities under appropriate laws, and making available to consumers general information affecting their interest while at the same time monitor and keep under review the trading and business practices relating to the supply of goods and services to consumers.

The committee will create or facilitate the establishment of conflict resolution mechanisms on consumer issues and investigate any complaints received regarding consumer issues.

Kecopac is also expected to advise the East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie as well as ensure relevant action on all aspects relating to consumer protection.

Other members of the committee are Dr Elly Nyaim (Kenya Medical Association), Charles Gachahi (Kenya Bureau of Standards), Samuel Ochieng (Consumer Information Network), Concepta Wasilwa (Attorney General’s representative) and Dr Ibrahim Mohammed (Commerce Principal Secretary).