Question 1

What is COFEK?

Accepted Answer

The Consumers Federation of Kenya (Cofek) is Kenya's independent, self-funded, multi-sectorial, non-political and apex non-profit Federation committed to consumer protection, education, research, consultancy, litigation, anti-counterfeits campaign and business rating on consumerism and customer-care issues.

Question 2

When was the Federation registered?

Accepted Answer

COFEK 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.

Question 3

Where does the Federation's mandate come from?

Accepted Answer

Its mandate is drawn from Article 46 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the Consumer Protection Act 2012 and the Competition Act, Cap 504, among other statutes. That framework provides high thresholds for consumer protection in all spheres, for both the private and public sectors.

Question 4

Is COFEK part of government?

Accepted Answer

No. COFEK is an independent, non-political federation. It is, however, a founder Chair of the Government-run Kenya Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (Kecopac).

Question 5

What rights does Article 46 give me?

Accepted Answer

Article 46 of the Constitution gives consumers the right to goods and services of reasonable quality; to the information necessary for them to gain full benefit from goods and services; to the protection of their health, safety and economic interests; and to compensation for loss or injury arising from defects in goods or services.

Question 6

Who can join COFEK?

Accepted Answer

Membership is open to individuals and select bodies — associations, NGOs, CBOs, SMEs and even large corporates.

Question 7

Which members can vote at general meetings?

Accepted Answer

Only those who join as individual members are eligible to vote at the Federation's Special and Annual General Meetings.

Question 8

How is membership granted?

Accepted Answer

Membership is by invitation and/or application for individuals who do not present potential conflict of interest with the Federation's objects and memorandum.

Question 9

What does membership cost?

Accepted Answer

COFEK states that membership benefits are offered at very competitive rates but does not publish a rate card. Contact the Secretariat at hotline@cofek.co.ke for current rates.

Question 10

What do members get?

Accepted Answer

Networking with peers and eligibility to be recommended for appointment on various parastatal boards; business opportunities; learning and technical exchanges; the public-interest litigation outputs; and participation in consumer research, information, education and communication work as well as publications.

Question 11

What training does COFEK offer?

Accepted Answer

COFEK and the Management University of Africa (MUA) run a non-residential three-day certificate course on Consumer Protection and Management.

Question 12

What does the course cover?

Accepted Answer

The experiential training is designed to equip participants with the necessary capacity to manage and proactively deal with consumer complaints as relates to the Consumer Protection Act, 2012 and Article 46 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

Question 13

How do I register?

Accepted Answer

Download the certificate course registration form, complete and sign it, and send the signed form to hotline@cofek.co.ke.

Question 14

How do I contact the Federation?

Accepted Answer

Call 0715 555 550 or 0733 180 008, or email hotline@cofek.co.ke. The office is at Rehema Place, Block F-45, Ngong Road / Ring Road, Kilimani Junction, Nairobi; P.O. Box 28053-00200, City Square, Nairobi.

Question 15

My question is not answered here.

Accepted Answer

Write to the Secretariat at hotline@cofek.co.ke. If your question concerns a specific supplier or transaction, send it through the complaints route instead so it reaches a case officer rather than the general inbox.

Frequently asked questions

About the Federation

Membership

Training

Getting in touch

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