Competition Authority Discuss Regulatory Efforts and Digital Market Challenge
“The focus is on making sure consumers get value for money from the regulatory decisions we implement,” Kemei explained.
Director General of Kenya Competition Authority David Kemei addressing the Competition Regulators. Photo/Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Kenya’s Competition Authority is actively working on new measures to address issues surrounding misuse of power, consumer protections, and welfare.
The Director General of the Competition Authority, David Kemei, shared key insights into ongoing initiatives during a recent symposium aimed at refining competition strategies to ensure consumers receive value for money from regulatory actions.
Speaking about the first phase of the initiative, Kemei highlighted the collaboration with key partners, including the University of Johannesburg’s Center for Competition Regulation and Economic Development, as well as the COMESA Competition Commission and the Competition Authority of Kenya itself.
“The first three days focused on crucial discussions regarding misuse of power and consumer protections. We had resource persons from these partner organizations offering insights. Today and tomorrow, we are in the symposium phase, where we are distilling ideas from previous research to create actionable competition interventions,” said Director General.
The symposium’s objective is to develop strategies that would effectively translate research into practical solutions that enhance consumer welfare, improve competition, and ensure regulatory actions lead to tangible benefits for the public.
“The focus is on making sure consumers get value for money from the regulatory decisions we implement,” Kemei explained.
One of the key emerging areas in need of regulatory attention, according to Kemei, is the digital space, which presents new challenges not only for Kenya but for regulators worldwide.
He emphasized the need for forward-thinking regulation as digital markets continue to expand.
“Digital space is a new area, not only in Kenya but for regulators across the globe. We are working to keep pace by amending our legal framework to allow us to regulate this new market effectively,” he noted.
Kemei also touched on the entry of global internet provider Starlink into the Kenyan market, which he welcomed but with a cautious and comprehensive approach. “As Starlink enters Kenya, we welcome this development. However, we will be looking at the competition issues. Is it going to improve service quality and price for consumers? That’s what we will focus on.”
He stressed that decisions related to regulating such new entities would not solely rely on a regulatory perspective but would take a broader, more holistic view.
“We need to look at the 360-degree aspect of Starlink’s entry. A narrow focus on regulation could lead to suboptimal decisions,” Kemei explained.
The Competition Authority of Kenya continues to prioritize consumer welfare while adapting to emerging markets and evolving business models, with competition law as the guiding framework for all its decisions.
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