By Wasike Elvis
The Government of Kenya has launched the Competition Authority of Kenya’s (CAK) 4th Strategic Plan (2023/24–2027/28), marking a pivotal step in strengthening the country’s commitment to fair competition, consumer protection, and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking during the official launch event held in Nairobi, stakeholders from government, private sector, civil society, and development partners gathered to witness the unveiling of a bold roadmap that will guide CAK’s operations over the next five years.
The Strategic Plan is anchored on five strategic pillars:
- Competitive Markets
- Consumer Protection
- Research & Advocacy
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Institutional Excellence
The plan is fully aligned with Kenya’s national development priorities, including Vision 2030, the Fourth Medium-Term Plan (MTP IV), and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, lauded the Authority’s work and reaffirmed the government’s full support.
“This Strategic Plan is a bold and forward-looking document. It reaffirms CAK’s critical role in building a competitive and fair marketplace—one where consumers are protected and small businesses are given the space to thrive,” said Dr. Kiptoo.
He also noted CAK’s landmark reforms on Abuse of Buyer Power (ABP), especially following the 2019 amendments to the Competition Act. These changes gave CAK the legal tools to protect small suppliers—particularly SMEs—from unfair practices by dominant buyers. This reform gained urgency after the collapse of major retailers Nakumatt and Uchumi, which left more than Ksh 40 billion in unpaid supplier debts.
In response, CAK established a dedicated enforcement unit to tackle abuse of buyer power and restore trust and fairness in the market.
“We have seen firsthand the devastating impact of market abuse on suppliers, families, and livelihoods. That must never be repeated. CAK’s response is a model of smart, focused regulation,” added Dr. Kiptoo. “As National Treasury, we commit to supporting CAK through sound policy, adequate resourcing, and good governance.”
Also speaking at the event, CAK Director-General Mr. David Kemei described the Strategic Plan as a turning point in the Authority’s evolution.
“This Strategic Plan is a clear roadmap for how we intend to deepen our impact over the next five years. It affirms our commitment to market fairness, consumer rights, and evidence-based enforcement,” said Mr. Kemei.
“Our experience with Abuse of Buyer Power cases showed us the human cost of unregulated dominance—and we are determined never to allow that again.”
Mr. Kemei emphasized CAK’s readiness to tackle challenges emerging in the digital economy, including unfair practices in tech-driven markets and the gig economy.
“We will strengthen our capacity to monitor fast-evolving sectors, adopt data-driven regulatory tools, and expand public education so that consumers and businesses alike understand their rights and obligations,” he said.
“This Strategic Plan signals a new era—one where no business is too small to be protected, and no player is too big to be held accountable.”
The Authority’s Board Chair, Mr. Shaka Kariuki, was also commended for steering the development of the plan and providing strong oversight to the Authority’s work.
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