MPs push for law to shield Kenyans

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Joint Chief Whip and mover of the Bill Jakoyo Midiwo. Photo/FILE 

By CAROLINE WAFULA cwafula@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Wednesday, August 1  2012 at  22:30

The government came under scathing attack in Parliament on Wednesday over consumer rights, as an MP vowed to push through amendments to the Finance Bill to ensure bank interest rates are controlled.

MPs supporting the Consumer Protection Bill accused the government of leaving Kenyans at the mercy of unscrupulous traders.

Speaker after speaker during debate on the Bill, which seeks to prevent unfair trade practices, said that it was time consumers were provided quality services.

“Consumer issues should be taken seriously. The government must be sensitive to these issues,” joint Chief Whip and mover of the Bill Jakoyo Midiwo said.

He said the government also had the authority to rein in interest rates.

“Nothing stops this coalition government from controlling interest rates in commercial banks and we are going to force it to control them,” he said.

Bonchari MP Charles Onyancha said the government was reluctant and lethargic when it comes to matters affecting the common man.

Mvita MP Najib Balala said the government had allowed crooked businessmen to exploit Kenyans.

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“Most of them are not genuine and it is a dangerous thing that we must stop, starting with the banks,” he said.

The Bill, which was overwhelmingly supported by MPs, comes amid the proposed controversial amendments to the VAT Bill.

MPs have declared an all-out war on the amendments that propose a 16 per cent VAT increase on a variety of commodities.