Our Values
Why go to a consumer centre?
Today an independent body representing the interests of consumers is needed more than ever before due to the changes being made to the national welfare system (new constitution, pension plans, health-care system, among others), the complexity of liberalized markets (energy, telecommunications) and the globalization of business.
The fact that we predominantly comprise publicly-funded, non-profit organizations and individual professionals means that we can provide you with independent and impartial advice. Traditionally, support for consumers in Kenya has come from the non-governmental sector.
The COFEK and consumer centres at the Counties and districts headquarter towns are the most important contact points for people seeking comprehensive consumer information and advice.
COFEK provides consumers with an overview of complex product markets and help them to understand complex market conditions. We also identify health and environmental aspects that may influence purchasing decisions. Our consultation focuses on legal questions concerning the relationship between businesses and private consumers. We explain to consumers what their rights are and how they can enforce them.
How does COFEK and consumer centres finance themselves?
COFEK and the consumer centres are financed by income from membership, consultation fees and the sale of consumer advice guides. We are also in the process of requesting for support from independent development partners and private sector companies that meet our rigorous selection criteria as a “Consumer Compliant Verified”.
Which issues does COFEK and the consumer centres provide advice upon?
In our advice centres, we provide consultation on issues of consumer rights and decisions concerning how you can best use your money – for example in the area of contracts of sale and service agreements, false promises made by lottery organizations, authenticity of products and practitioners, the legitimacy of telecommunications and energy charges, the best pension plans, health insurance and other types of insurance, among others.
We provide advice on:
- Credit law, debtor arbitration and insolvency declaration
- Banking and investment
- Insurance
- Patients’ rights and health services
- Passenger rights
- Building finance
- Energy
- Nutrition
- Land issues
- Household, leisure, telecommunications, among others
Where is the nearest COFEK advice centre?
Detailed information including the address of the closest advice centre can be found on the website of the consumer centre in at your County headquarter town and or at all district headquarters. If not, please call our head office or write to: hotline@cofek.co.ke
Is it possible to get advice by telephone?
Telephone advice is offered at our head office and branches on our hotlines. Call us today. 0715555550 or 0733180008
Why do I have to pay for advice?
Due to the funding challenges, COFEK and its affiliate consumer centres are being forced to find an ever increasing amount of the funds they require. Only a part of our costs is covered by the consultation fees we charge. But for those who may not afford, we will offer our advice without charging any fees