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Consumer Rights

When Something Goes Wrong: Faulty Goods and Bad Service

Civic Education · What to do about defective or counterfeit products

If you buy a faulty, unsafe or counterfeit product, or get poor service, you are entitled to a remedy — typically a refund, replacement, repair or compensation. The key is to act early, keep your evidence, and report to the right body.

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Quick Answer

If you buy a faulty, unsafe or counterfeit product, or get poor service, you are entitled to a remedy — typically a refund, replacement, repair or compensation. The key is to act early, keep your evidence, and report to the right body.

Key facts

  • You can seek a refund, replacement, repair or compensation.
  • Keep receipts and evidence of the problem.
  • Counterfeit and unsafe goods can be reported to KEBS.
  • Act early — delay weakens your claim.

Your remedies

When a product is defective or a service falls short, you can seek a refund, replacement, repair or compensation under the Consumer Protection Act and the Standards Act. Which applies depends on the problem and what you agreed.

Build your case

Before complaining, gather evidence: keep receipts and contracts, take photos of the defect, save correspondence, and note dates. Use traceable payment where you can — it proves the transaction.

Counterfeit and unsafe goods

If a product is counterfeit, substandard or dangerous, report it to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) (and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority), which can test products, order recalls and seize fakes — protecting you and other consumers.

Check for the KEBS standardisation mark and accurate labelling before buying.

Why this matters to you

A faulty phone, a dangerous product, a service not delivered — these are common, and the law is on your side if you act. Keeping evidence and reporting promptly is what gets results.

Frequently asked questions

What can I claim for a faulty product?

A refund, replacement, repair or compensation.

Where do I report unsafe or fake goods?

To the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.

What evidence do I need?

Receipts, photos, contracts and correspondence — kept from the start.

Sources & references

  • Consumer Protection Act, 2012; Standards Act — kenyalaw.org
  • Kenya Bureau of Standards — kebs.org
Civic information, not legal advice.Use the linked official sources and seek qualified professional advice for individual legal matters.
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