# COFEK > The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) is Kenya's independent, self-funded, multi-sectorial, non-political and apex non-profit Federation committed to consumer protection, education, research, consultancy, litigation, anti-counterfeits campaign and business rating on consumerism and customer-care issues. ## Pages - [Home](https://cofek.africa/): the Federation, its live work and latest statements - [News](https://cofek.africa/news): consumer protection reporting and statements, with the full archive - [About us](https://cofek.africa/about-us): what COFEK is, its history and governance - [Complaints](https://cofek.africa/complaints): how consumers lodge a complaint - [Resources](https://cofek.africa/resources): documents, statutes and the Federation's videos - [Contact](https://cofek.africa/contact-us): how to reach the Secretariat ## Sections - [Aviation](https://cofek.africa/news/category/aviation) - [Banking](https://cofek.africa/news/category/banking) - [Banking & Financial Services ](https://cofek.africa/news/category/banking-and-financial-services) - [COFEK Watch](https://cofek.africa/news/category/cofek-watch) - [Crime](https://cofek.africa/news/category/crime) - [Data](https://cofek.africa/news/category/data) - [Digital](https://cofek.africa/news/category/digital) - [Economy](https://cofek.africa/news/category/economy) - [Education](https://cofek.africa/news/category/education) - [Energy](https://cofek.africa/news/category/energy) - [Entertainment](https://cofek.africa/news/category/entertainment) - [Environment](https://cofek.africa/news/category/environment) - [Featured](https://cofek.africa/news/category/featured) - [Food](https://cofek.africa/news/category/food) - [Fraud](https://cofek.africa/news/category/fraud) - [Gambling](https://cofek.africa/news/category/gambling) - [Gaming](https://cofek.africa/news/category/gaming) - [General News](https://cofek.africa/news/category/uncategorized) - [Government](https://cofek.africa/news/category/government) - [Health](https://cofek.africa/news/category/health) ## Latest news - [When an Uber ride became a ransom: what one trip reveals about ride-hailing safety in Kenya](https://cofek.africa/news/when-an-uber-ride-became-a-ransom-what-one-trip-reveals-about-ride-hailing-safety-in-kenya): After the trip began, he left the app's route. He took her to an isolated, unfamiliar location and stopped. There, she says, he blocked her from leaving and threatened to dump her unless she paid extra cash. - [Deindustrialization – Overcapacity Debate and the Third Question Can Africa Industrialize?](https://cofek.africa/news/deindustrialization-overcapacity-debate-and-the-third-question-can-africa-industrialize): The absence of Africa in the debate relegates the continent to merely a source of minerals in one narrative, a destination of surplus goods in the other. - [Why Mombasa’s “Citi Motors” team do not respond to “uneducated customers” phone inquiries](https://cofek.africa/news/why-mombasa-s-citi-motors-team-do-not-respond-to-uneducated-customers-phone-inquiries): During our WhatsApp conversation, I requested that he respond to customers' calls when he sees them. In response, he asked, "And what if client is uneducated?" I found this remark disrespectful and inappropriate, particularly in a professional customer-business relationship. - [Businessmen in Politics and Government: Mudavadi and Timamy to Pay Sh3 Billion for Absa's Kenyan Insurers](https://cofek.africa/news/businessmen-in-politics-and-government-mudavadi-and-timamy-to-pay-sh3-billion-for-absa-s-kenyan): An investment company linked to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Lamu Governor Issa Timamy will pay Sh3 billion to take majority control of two insurers from South Africa's Absa Group, bringing back into local hands businesses the same investors sold more than a decade ago. - [Kibera Laini Saba: Thirteen years, a World Bank loan and a resettlement still unfinished](https://cofek.africa/news/kibera-laini-saba-thirteen-years-a-world-bank-loan-and-a-resettlement-still-unfinished): Kenya Railways blames subletting and political goons for the Kibra housing mess. The numbers point to a bigger failure: a public project that ran out of money, time and accountability long before it ran out of tenants. - [Judge rejects State firm's bid to block the case, ruling that public ownership gives no shield from insolvency law](https://cofek.africa/news/judge-rejects-state-firm-s-bid-to-block-the-case-ruling-that-public-ownership-gives-no-shield): The tribunal found Ketraco in breach. In 2019, it awarded the contractor €37.37 million (about Sh5.4 billion), plus interest. It also awarded Sh102 million in legal fees, Sh83.5 million in arbitral costs and Sh2 million in administrative expenses. - [39 Days of Silence: Why COFEK Wants the Ombudsman to Force EACC's Hand on the Mary Wambui Tender Probe](https://cofek.africa/news/39-days-of-silence-why-cofek-wants-the-ombudsman-to-force-eacc-s-hand-on-the-mary-wambui-tender): The anti-graft agency was named by the High Court as the proper body to investigate alleged conflict of interest in the Sh15 billion Digital Super Highway tenders. Five weeks on, it has not even acknowledged the complaint. - [Why Yusuf Omari - run ABSA Kenya Bank Remains Under Siege Over Leaked Client Data](https://cofek.africa/news/why-yusuf-omari-run-absa-kenya-bank-remains-under-siege-over-leaked-client-data): An Absa credit manager has told the Mombasa High Court he received M-Pesa payments from a borrower's director, but denied any bribe or leak. He also said an internal investigation found no wrongdoing by him or other employees. - [SICPA's Turkish Setback Raises Hard Questions for African Governments That Buy Its Systems](https://cofek.africa/news/sicpa-s-turkish-setback-raises-hard-questions-for-african-governments-that-buy-its-systems): A Turkish ruling reopens a €100 million dispute. A Swiss corruption sanction is already final. Governments and consumers that rely on SICPA's tax-stamp and traceability systems should take note. - [State's Sh45.4 billion lifeline: Kenya Airways gets rescued again](https://cofek.africa/news/state-s-sh45-4-billion-lifeline-kenya-airways-gets-rescued-again): The money will be released in tranches under Treasury supervision. It will be repaid over 10 years or converted into equity. It will pay for aircraft maintenance and return grounded planes to service. It will also cover urgent obligations. - [How a UK "car exporter" took a Kenyan consumer's Sh2.3 million and left a dream car undelivered](https://cofek.africa/news/how-a-uk-car-exporter-took-a-kenyan-consumer-s-sh2-3-million-and-left-a-dream-car-undelivered): The model is not new. Fraudulent "exporters" advertise attractive cars online, use professional-looking invoices and websites, and ask for payment into foreign accounts that are difficult to trace. - [Abdi Mohamed takes over as I&M Bank Kenya CEO After Exiting the Troubled ABSA Bank ](https://cofek.africa/news/abdi-mohamed-takes-over-as-i-and-m-bank-kenya-ceo-after-exiting-the-troubled-absa-bank): Former Absa chief starts today at a lender whose profit is growing, but whose Kenyan earnings have stalled - [Why Senator Omtatah Wants Absa Bank Kenya Investigated Over Leaked Client Data](https://cofek.africa/news/why-senator-omtatah-wants-absa-bank-kenya-investigated-over-leaked-client-data): In a Further Witness Statement dated 28 July 2023, the company's director, David Omusala Abai, says bank officials leaked the company's financial details to its suppliers and customers. - [Why COFEK has moved to the PPP’s Petition Committee to Challenge the Dangote Lamu Refinery Project ](https://cofek.africa/news/why-cofek-has-moved-to-the-ppp-s-petition-committee-to-challenge-the-dangote-lamu-refinery): The project has been described as a refinery of about 700,000 barrels per day. Reported costs run from US$15 billion to US$20 billion, with completion around 2030. - [The Aden Duale Order on Hijab: Shoild Church-Run Schools Be Compelled to Allow the Hijab?](https://cofek.africa/news/the-aden-duale-order-on-hijab-shoild-church-run-schools-be-compelled-to-allow-the-hijab): The High Court ruled in 2015 that allowing the hijab was illegal and discriminatory. In 2016 the Court of Appeal reversed that and told the Education CS to ensure uniform rules do not discriminate on religion. - [Hey COFEK: Safaricom’s 2026 ‘Capture the Good” Photography Competition was Biased ](https://cofek.africa/news/hey-cofek-safaricom-s-2026-capture-the-good-photography-competition-was-biased): The issue I am raising is not simply dissatisfaction with my score or the outcome. It concerns the administration of a public-facing competition in which participants were invited to participate under published Terms and Conditions and judging criteria. - [Judicial Service Commission Says Appellate Judges Kimaru, Munyao and Okello Have Case to Answer](https://cofek.africa/news/judicial-service-commission-says-appellate-judges-kimaru-munyao-and-okello-have-case-to-answer): ✅On 12 May 2026, the three judges issued a dispositive order — staying the High Court's conservatory orders in the US-Kenya Health Framework case — without giving a single reason. The reasoned ruling was reserved for 30 October 2026. Five months later. - [Why Kinyua and Morintat Are Technically the Best CEOs of EPRA, but Politically, Youthful State House Lawyer Kipchumba Beats Them](https://cofek.africa/news/why-kinyua-and-morintat-are-technically-the-best-ceos-of-epra-but-politically-youthful-state): Leparan Ole Morintat, a former National Oil Corporation of Kenya CEO came second to Macharia Irungu as Kenya Pipeline CEO. On another hand, no insider at EPRA is as best suited as Edward Kinyua technically and by experience. Then in comes, the youthful State House lawyer, whose second name is a key asset. He reports to Jasper Mbiuki - [Aliko Dangote’s Lamu Refinery: A Sh2.2 Trillion Bet Kenyan Consumers Must Scrutinise](https://cofek.africa/news/aliko-dangote-s-lamu-refinery-a-sh2-2-trillion-bet-kenyan-consumers-must-scrutinise): Government messaging has centred on jobs and energy security. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has put the jobs figure at more than 50,000, with government projections reaching 60,000. - [Two Women Charged Over Alleged Massive QVSE Investment Scam](https://cofek.africa/news/two-women-charged-over-alleged-massive-qvse-investment-scam) - [MKU Launches Cloud Computing Lab, China-Africa Digital Technology Supermarket at Thika Campus](https://cofek.africa/news/mku-launches-cloud-computing-lab-china-africa-digital-technology-supermarket-at-thika-campus): Together, the two facilities suggest a dual purpose: equipping MKU students with technical, job-ready skills while also creating a platform through which technology products and training methodologies developed in China can be introduced to learners and professionals in Kenya. - [I & M Bank and Safaricom in the dock: Whitelisted, yet swapped: How a Nairobi firm allegedly lost Sh11 million overnight](https://cofek.africa/news/i-and-m-bank-and-safaricom-in-the-dock-whitelisted-yet-swapped-how-a-nairobi-firm-allegedly-lost): Mara North Holdings Limited says it lost millions in a SIM-swap fraud. Now it is demanding answers from Safaricom and I&M Bank. - [Fake Degrees: JKUAT Washes Its' Hands Off Kimilili MP Didmus Wekesa Barasa Engineering Degree Claim; Eyes on EBK](https://cofek.africa/news/fake-degrees-jkuat-washed-its-hands-off-kimilili-mp-didmus-wekesa-barasa-engineering-degree): In an earlier National Assembly website (www.parliament.go.ke) academic listing, Mr Wekesa has been masquerading as a holder of the Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from JKUAT and as a registered member of Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK). That listing has since been replaced by another questionable claim to a BA and MA from Mount Kenya University (MKU) - [Failed AAR Insurance and Why Kenya's "Insurance" Is a Lie for the Dead and Dying](https://cofek.africa/news/failed-aar-insurance-and-why-kenya-s-insurance-is-a-lie-for-the-dead-and-dying): Two claims. Two years apart. Two rulings against AAR. Zero indication that either ruling changed how the company treats the next claimant — or the next ten families of a dead workforce. - [It’s a Record Reverse Call on Waiyaki Way: High Court Nullifies Sh204.3B Safaricom Stake Sale to Vodacom](https://cofek.africa/news/it-s-a-record-reverse-call-on-waiyaki-way-high-court-nullifies-sh204-3b-safaricom-stake-sale-to): Unwinding a completed, cross-border share transfer is not simple. It raises complex questions of corporate law. Securities regulation is also implicated. International investment protection issues arise too. The ruling does not resolve these on its face. An appeal is widely expected. The matter could plausibly return to the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court. - [Some of the unresolved complaints at the Diamond Trust Bank and why DTB is unresponsive on the Sh275K heist](https://cofek.africa/news/some-of-the-unresolved-complaints-at-the-diamond-trust-bank-and-why-dtb-is-unresponsive-on-the): A former branch manager, her assistant, and a third suspect were charged with 68 counts of theft, forgery, and money laundering after allegedly siphoning Sh149 million from a customer's account through fabricated instruction letters, fictitious withdrawal slips, and fraudulent emails over five years - [How Central Bank of Kenya is Slowly But Surely Blacking Out Shell Banking Institutions ](https://cofek.africa/news/how-central-bank-of-kenya-is-slowly-but-surely-blacking-out-shell-banking-institutions): Kenya remains on the FATF "grey list" since February 2024 over anti-money-laundering deficiencies; shell banks and opaque foreign representative offices have been flagged as conduits for illicit flows. - [Miracle in Thika: Mother Delivers Five Healthy Babies Naturally, and Kenya's Public Hospitals Deserve Some of the Credit](https://cofek.africa/news/miracle-in-thika-mother-delivers-five-healthy-babies-naturally-and-kenya-s-public-hospitals): Behind the headline is a medical team that deserves its own recognition. Hospital sources indicate that nurses at Thika Level Five spent close to eleven consecutive hours on their feet managing the delivery and the immediate care of five newborns, each requiring simultaneous monitoring for the low birth weight and prematurity risks that come with any multiple pregnancy. - [Lawyer Paul Muite's Sh3M Demand Against Kenya Airways Is a Wake-Up Call for Every Kenyan Traveller](https://cofek.africa/news/muite-s-sh3-million-demand-against-kenya-airways-is-a-wake-up-call-for-every-kenyan-traveller): On 31 August 2026, Mr Muite, his wife Dr Edith Muite, their two daughters and two grandchildren arrived at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar to catch Flight KQ491 back to Nairobi, the final leg of an 11-day family holiday. - [Defective Tyre, Deflected Blame: Consumer Turns to COFEK After XpressFit Burst Fails Within 12 Hours](https://cofek.africa/news/defective-tyre-deflected-blame-consumer-turns-to-cofek-after-xpressfit-burst-fails-within-12): Before you visit AutoFit, read this and exercise extreme discretion because your life, money and car matters! - [Why the Growth of ArtCaffe and Java Raises Questions: Are Kenyans jostling for restaurants, or spending more time in them?](https://cofek.africa/news/why-the-growth-of-artcaffe-and-java-raises-questions-are-kenyans-jostling-for-restaurants-or): Kenyans are filling up tables at both Java and ArtCaffe restaurants in Nairobi and other urban areas. Are they replacing the need for freelancers to rent offices? Or what is simply attractive here? - [Key legal lessons from the Cofek v Stanbic Bank, Homeboyz Entertainment and Radio Africa Events court battle on BoyzIIMen concert](https://cofek.africa/news/key-legal-lessons-from-the-cofek-v-stanbic-bank-homeboyz-entertainment-and-radio-africa-events): The judgment has helped settle the parameters of Article 46 and made it clear that consumer rights are constitutional rights, not merely contractual ones. A service provider therefore cannot hide behind a contract to escape constitutional and statutory consumer protection. This is an important principle for COFEK and consumer protection generally - [Carrefour's Kenyan Windfall: What Nakumatt's Collapse Built, Consumers Must Now Watch](https://cofek.africa/news/carrefour-s-kenyan-windfall-what-nakumatt-s-collapse-built-consumers-must-now-watch): COFEK reads the numbers differently. Carrefour's expansion has not happened in a competitive vacuum — it has happened in the wreckage of Nakumatt Holdings, Uchumi Supermarkets, Tuskys and Mulleys Supermarkets, four homegrown chains that collapsed under debt, mismanagement and, in some cases, outright plunder of supplier and shareholder funds. - [COFEK Demands DTB Freeze Account Linked to Sh275,500 Mobile Money Fraud, Waive Confidentiality to Aid Victim](https://cofek.africa/news/cofek-demands-dtb-freeze-account-linked-to-kes-275-500-mobile-money-fraud-waive-confidentiality): The victim was defrauded of a total of Sh275,500 between September 9 and 10, 2026, after being induced by false pretences to transfer funds from her M-PESA account to a DTB paybill (Paybill Number 516600, Account Number 5689225002). - [The $419 Million Question: Who Is GKSD, and What Did Kenya Just Sign Up For?](https://cofek.africa/news/the-usd419-million-question-who-is-gksd-and-what-did-kenya-just-sign-up-for): a private joint venture between two entities: GK Investment Holding, founded and chaired by Tunisian-Italian businessman Kamel Ghribi, and Gruppo San Donato (GSD), Italy's largest private hospital operator. GK Investment Holding's origins have nothing to do with healthcare — it began as a commodity-trading and consultancy outfit dealing in oil, cotton, phosphates and coffee, before pivoting into healthcare infrastructure. - [Why “Alliance in Motion Kenya Limited”’claim to turn Kenyans into “extraordinary millionaires” is flagged as a fraudulent dealer ](https://cofek.africa/news/why-alliance-in-motion-kenya-limited-claim-to-turn-kenyans-into-extraordinary-millionaires-is): The mere fact that they are asking for money endlessly from the unsuspecting investors under the guise of making them millionaires is overtly ironical and deceitful. COFEK asks Kenyans to deal with the little-known organization, said to originate from the Philippines, with extreme discretion - [Questions emerge as belated changes in Rironi — Nakuru — Mau Summit dual road force emergence acquisition of more land](https://cofek.africa/news/questions-emerge-as-belated-changes-in-rironi-nakuru-mau-summit-dual-road-force-emergence): Two Chinese contractors handling the project — China Road and Bridge Corporation/NSSF (Nairobi–Gilgil–Naivasha–Mau Summit) and Shandong Hi-Speed (Gilgil–Nakuru–Mau Summit) - [Why a Group is Opposed to the Sh500 Billion Nuclear Plant in Siaya](https://cofek.africa/news/why-a-group-is-opposed-to-the-sh500-billion-nuclear-plant-in-siaya): The agency has shortlisted eight sites in Siaya County — Ugambe, Sirongo, Liunda, Manywanda, Osindo, Nyangoye, Dagamoyo and Kanyawayaga — all along the Lake Victoria shoreline, from which a “Proposed Site” and an “Alternate Site” are to be selected after further screening. - [Uber’s Global Job Cuts Should Worry Kenyan Riders and Drivers Too](https://cofek.africa/news/uber-s-global-job-cuts-should-worry-kenyan-riders-and-drivers-too): The ride-hailing giant, which employs roughly 34,000 people across more than 70 countries, says the restructuring is meant to sharpen decision-making and speed up growth investment - [COFEK Petitions EACC to Probe Sh15 Billion Digital Super Highway Tender Linked to Ex-CAK Chair Mary Wambui Mungai](https://cofek.africa/news/cofek-petitions-eacc-to-probe-sh15-billion-digital-super-highway-tender-linked-to-ex-cak-chair): On September 3, 2026, Justice Lawrence N. Mugambi of the High Court at Milimani delivered judgment in Consumer Federation of Kenya v Information and Communication Technology Authority & 4 Others (HCCHRPET/E683 of 2024).