About us
Kenya's apex consumer federation
COFEK is Kenya's independent, self-funded, multi-sectorial, non-political and apex non-profit Federation, committed to consumer protection, education, research, consultancy, litigation, the anti-counterfeits campaign and business rating on consumerism and customer-care issues.
At a glance
- Registered
- 26 March 2010
- Legal form
- Non-profit federation
- Funding
- Self-funded
- Reach
- Kenya and East Africa
Who we are
Registered in 2010, and answerable ever since
The Federation was registered on 26 March 2010. It works towards a fair, just and safe marketplace for all Kenyan and regional consumers, in all sectors of the economy.
COFEK is a founder Chair of the Kenya Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (Kecopac), the Government-run body established to coordinate consumer protection policy. That seat is where the Federation puts consumer interests directly into the policy process — and it is one reason its independence from both industry and party politics has to be structural rather than stated.
COFEK is not a regulator and holds no statutory enforcement powers. Its influence rests on the quality of its evidence, the consistency of its record, and its willingness to go to court when a regulator will not act.
Our vision
To be the consumer federation of choice that inspires confidence and pride for consumers across Kenya and East Africa.
Our mission
To work towards a fair, just and safe marketplace for all Kenyan and regional consumers, in all sectors of the economy.
- Registered 26 March 2010
- 2010Registered 26 March 2010
- Of the Government-run Kecopac committee
- Founder ChairOf the Government-run Kecopac committee
- Counties within the Federation's remit
- 47Counties within the Federation's remit
- Statutes the Federation's mandate is drawn from
- 3+Statutes the Federation's mandate is drawn from
Our mandate
Seven areas of work
COFEK describes itself as committed to the following.
- 01
Consumer protection
- 02
Consumer education
- 03
Research
- 04
Consultancy
- 05
Litigation
- 06
Anti-counterfeits campaign
- 07
Business rating on consumerism and customer-care issues
Legal basis
Where the mandate comes from
Kenya’s legal framework sets high thresholds for consumer protection in all spheres, and binds both the private and the public sector. The Federation’s mandate is drawn from these statutes, among others.
Know your rights- 01
Article 46, Constitution of Kenya 2010
Gives every consumer an enforceable right to goods and services of reasonable quality, to the information necessary to gain full benefit from them, to protection of their health, safety and economic interests, and to compensation for loss or injury.
- 02
Consumer Protection Act, 2012
The principal statute governing unfair practices, disclosure obligations, unconscionable representations and consumer agreements across the economy.
- 03
Competition Act, Cap 504
Prohibits false or misleading representations, unconscionable conduct and the supply of unsafe goods, and establishes the consumer protection mandate of the Competition Authority.
How we work
Independent, self-funded, multi-sectorial, non-political
How the Federation describes itself.
Independent
COFEK describes itself as an independent Federation, and is a founder Chair of the Government-run Kenya Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (Kecopac).
Self-funded
The Federation states that it is self-funded.
Multi-sectorial
It works for Kenyan and regional consumers in all sectors of the economy.
Non-political
COFEK describes itself as a non-political, apex non-profit Federation.
Watch
The Federation at work
35th Annual Consumer Dialog Forum. The Federation's flagship convening — members, regulators and industry in one room, on the record.
Go deeper
More about the Federation
Join COFEK
Individual, association, SME and corporate membership.
Training
The certificate course in Consumer Protection and Management.
Resources
Rights guides, documents and consumer legislation.
FAQ
What the Federation can and cannot do for you.
Looking for something else? Contact the Secretariat.
Get involved
Join the Federation
Membership is open to individuals and to associations, NGOs, CBOs, SMEs and corporates. Only individual members are eligible to vote at general meetings.