The world consumer rights day is celebrated on March 15 every year.
However, few consumers know their rights. Marketers and service providers take advantage of this to oppress the consumers.
Kenyan matatus are notorious for violating most of consumer rights.
The first one is right to safety. Despite the introduction of speed governors in PSVs, some matatus still over-speed. Over-speeding and overlapping risks the lives of the passengers. Others put their music on full blast volumes which can be hazardous to the health of the commuters.
These violate the commuters right to safety which gives them the right to be protected against marketing of goods or provision of services that are hazardous to health and life.
Second is right to information. Some matatus are known to hike fares along the way, or use a different route from the one initially stated which inconviniences most of the passengers.
This is against the commuters right to information which gives them a right to be given the facts and information needed to make an informed choice, and also a right to be protected against dishonest or misleading advertising or labeling.
Thirdly, right to redress. Sometimes the matatus drop passengers mid-journey, far behind or past their destination making them to incur an extra cost to reach their place. This or anything else that makes the journey unsatisfying to the commuters is against the commuters rights.
The right to redress gives the commuters a right to be compensated for misrepresentation, shoddy goods and unsatisfactory services.
Be vigilant, know your rights and demand them.