Dr. Douglas Runyowa, Chief Director, Commerce and Consumer Affairs
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce is dedicated to modernizing and growing local industry to enhance its competitiveness and improve consumer welfare and economic growth. This is achieved through various laws, including the Consumer Protection Act [Chapter 14:44] and the Trade Measures Act [Chapter 14:23].
Routine inspections and robust market surveillance have revealed several unethical practices in retail and wholesale shops across the country. These practices include selling underweight products, expired goods, improperly packaged and unlabeled goods, and in extreme cases, unlicensed goods posing health hazards. Non-compliance levels are particularly high in semi-formal shops, sometimes exceeding 60%, which is unacceptable.
To address these issues, the Ministry has adopted a comprehensive response strategy, referred to as the 3E’s plus 2P’s approach. Firstly, the Ministry is engaging business operators through their business member organizations, from manufacturers to retailers and distributors, urging them to adhere to regulations through continuous dialogue. Secondly, efforts are being made to empower consumers, who often suffer from unfair trade practices. The Consumer Protection Act has been translated into more than six indigenous languages, including Braille, to ensure widespread understanding. Over 100 consumer awareness programs have been conducted nationwide this quarter. Thirdly, the Ministry educates individual companies on legal requirements and reaches out to media, parliamentarians, community leaders, and the public.
In terms of enforcement, inspections have led to penalties for non-compliant businesses. In May, 5,104 products were inspected for weights and measurements, resulting in 11,030 penalties. The Consumer Protection Commission conducted 1,903 compliance checks and issued 691 compliance notices. Additionally, a total of 1,309 businesses were prosecuted for offenses like selling expired products. Furthermore, 688 businesses were issued compliance notices for not displaying product prices in local currency, with many referred to the Financial Intelligence Unit. Expired products have also been recalled in line with the Consumer Protection Act.
In conclusion, the Ministry urges businesses to maintain ethical standards and avoid practices that attract punitive measures. Consumers affected by unfair practices should report these to the Consumer Protection Commission and Trade Measures Department Officers at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce offices nationwide to address consumer rights violations.
