KISUMU, Kenya, Mar 15 – The Director General of Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) Ezra Chiloba has assured Kenyans that the Authority is ready to deal with the proliferation of counterfeit devices in the country despite resistance.
Chiloba says it is a great concern for the Authority to deal with proliferation of such products into the market as he promised to safeguard consumers.
“We hope that at some time we will improve our systems to curb the proliferation of counterfeit devices,” he said.
Chiloba says the counterfeit devices expose consumers to a number of risks and also edge out the genuine companies selling the devices.
“You might be experiencing compromised standards with the devices you are using, that will be a risk to the users’ health,” he said.
He noted that the infringement of intellectual property rights of owners who manufacture and produce genuine devices must be fought.
Speaking when he opened a world consumers’ rights week in Kisumu, Chiloba says the Authority some years back tried to deal with counterfeit devices but it flopped.
“Few years ago when we wanted to bring sanity to the devices market, we procured a system to track and trace counterfeit products in the market, but it was stopped in the courts,” he said.
Chiloba says the Authority will not tire to rid out counterfeit devices in the market as they seek to employ other strategies to deal with the menace.
This year’s theme is empowering consumers through better quality of service and experience.
Chiloba says the theme is relevant and timely for consumers of ICT services and products across the country.
“Today we have an opportunity to share insights and lessons from the industry players including service providers, consumers, policy actors, on the present and future of quality of service in the ICT sector,” he said.
He says the consumer rights cuts across in all sectors noting that the Authority will focus on telecommunication, broadcasting and courier services.
