The Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has sounded the alarm over arbitrary price increases by retailers across Kenya in the wake of supply chain shocks and a weakening shilling.

COFEK lists maize meal, wheat flour, sugar, cooking oil, tissue paper, milk, and groceries as some of the goods that have been adversely affected by unreasonable price jumps.

The lobby wants the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) to step in and rein in the behavior of local retailers.

"Abuse of buyer power between manufacturers and supermarkets is hurting consumers. Retail chains are varying prices at will and in an exorbitant manner," a note signed by Cofek Secretary General Stephen Mutoro said.

Further, to check on the behavior that is causing anguish to customers, the consumer lobby is also calling on the Retail Traders Association of Kenya (RETRAK) to monitor and regulate their members before Cofek "publicly cites them and calls for a consumer boycott."

"We demand that manufacturers communicate their Recommended Retail Price (RRP) on their websites with immediate effect to allow customers to make necessary comparisons," Cofek added.

Cofek is also recommending to the ministry to Trade to move in by regulations on retail outlets whereby among others, the law should cap the maximum variation levels on RRPs to check retailers' greed.

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