By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, July 21, 2026 - The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has launched an investigation into Naivas over allegations that it charged customers more for some products than the prices displayed on shelves or in advertisements.
According to reports, a customer claimed that he bought a bottle of a beverage at Naivas’ Thindigua branch for KSh1,120; yet the supermarket has advertised it on its social media platform at KSh899.
The authority has also put other supermarket chains such as Carrefour and Quickmart under investigation after consumers reported being charged more at the till than the prices displayed on shelves.
CAK has also investigated misleading price practices whereby some supermarkets are allegedly raising product prices before applying promotions and making discounts appear larger.
Executives of some of the supermarkets have attributed the pricing breaches to human error, explaining that store attendants must manually revise sticker prices without an automated overnight system.
The CAK is the regulator mandated to promote and safeguard fair competition in markets while protecting consumers from unfair and misleading trade practices.
Under the Competition Act and the Consumer Protection Act, the Authority investigates complaints related to deceptive pricing, false or misleading advertisements, and other practices that infringe on consumer rights.
Where businesses are found to have violated the law, the CAK may order them to cease the unlawful conduct, compensate affected consumers where appropriate, enter into compliance commitments, or take legal action.
The Competition Act indicates that companies found guilty of anti-competitive conduct, including price manipulation, can be fined up to 10 percent of their annual turnover, while individuals involved face fines of up to Sh10 million, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
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