Press Release-CA Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting ICT Consumers As World Marks Consumer Rights Day
Nairobi, March 15, 2016: The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) today joins the global community in marking World Consumer Rights Day, reaffirming its commitment to protecting and empowering consumers within Kenya’s dynamic communications ecosystem.
This year’s global theme, “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” underscores the need for stronger safeguards to ensure that products and services, particularly in the digital marketplace, are safe, reliable and trustworthy.
Advancing Consumer Protection in the Digital Economy
As the regulator of Kenya’s communications sector, CA continues to implement targeted programmes to address emerging consumer concerns while ensuring that citizens benefit from secure, high-quality communication services.
On this World Consumer Rights Day, we want to spotlight some of the strides made in our consumer protection mandate:
1) Consumers Have Access to Effective Redress Mechanisms: The Authority provides structured mechanisms for consumers to lodge complaints, through chukuhatua@ca.go.ke or 0703 042 000 or across our offices in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nyeri and Eldoret, ensuring timely resolution and fair treatment of consumers.
2) Safeguarding Children Online: Through the Authority's Child Online Protection programme, our children now have access to the requisite skills, values and tools for a safer Internet experience.
3) Enhanced Accessibility to Digital Services, Platforms, and Devices for Persons with Disabilities: Following the adoption the ICT Accessibility Standards (KS 2952), the Authority ensures that digital services, platforms, and devices are inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities.
4) Universal Access to ICTs: Through the Universal Service Fund, CA is expanding connectivity to unserved and underserved communities, ensuring that more Kenyans can meaningfully participate in the global digital economy.
5) Consumers Have Access to Reliable and Safer ICT Devices: Through the Authority’s Type Approval function, Kenyan consumers are assured of the safety and quality of ICT devices in the market.
6) Consumers can Verify the Authenticity of Mobile Phones: Through the IMEI Verification Checker, Kenyan consumers are empowered to verify the authenticity of mobile phones, thereby making informed purchase decisions.
A Call for Collaboration
As the world marks World Consumer Rights Day, the Authority reiterates its commitment to fostering a secure, inclusive, and consumer-centric digital ecosystem that supports innovation while safeguarding the rights and interests of all Kenyans.
The Authority calls upon all licensees, government agencies, consumer organizations, industry stakeholders and the public to work together to build consumer confidence and trust in the ICT ecosystem.
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CA Media Centre
Communications Authority of Kenya
Email: CAmediacentre@ca.go.ke | Tel: +254 703 042 284