A Human Rights Defender's Perspective

This week I appeared before the Competition Tribunal to represent a client in a matter whose appeal has been pending since it was filed in June, 2025. The Tribunal has not been functional for more than a year following the expiry of the terms of the chairperson and members.  The Chief Justice published a Kenya Gazette notice on 25th September, 2026 announcing the appointment of the Chairperson and two members of the Tribunal effectively constituting the Tribunal. But why is the Competition Tribunal so important? Section 71 of the Competition Act establishes the Tribunal mandating it to hear appeals of decisions made by the Competition Authority.  The Competition Authority is an important consumer protection actor. It promotes the creation of consumer bodies, receives and investigate complaints and impediments to competition, liaises with other regulatory bodies in matters relating to competition and consumer welfare and advises the government on matters relating to competit...