Competition Authority of Kenya Boss Lands New International Role

The Director-General of the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK), David Kemei has been sworn in as a Commissioner of the East African Community Competition Authority (EACCA) and elected as its interim chairperson.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on June 3 at the East African Community headquarters in Arusha.

David Kemei will serve a four-year term as Kenya’s representative on the EACCA Board of Commissioners.

“Effective competition law enforcement is a central pillar in unlocking economic growth, attracting investments, and safeguarding the interests of consumers at the national and regional level,” Kemei said at the event.

Kemei’s appointment and leadership role come as the EACCA positions itself to tackle challenges in regional markets.

David Kemei New Role

He emphasized his priorities will include pushing for harmonized merger control regimes, joint investigations into anti-competitive behavior, and stronger collaboration on market studies and capacity building across member states.

The EACCA, established under Article 9(2) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC and the EAC Competition Act of 2006, is tasked with promoting fair competition and protecting consumer welfare across the East African region.

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It also coordinates with national agencies through partnerships such as Memoranda of Understanding signed with competition watchdogs in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

Kemei was sworn in alongside Germain Ntawuyamara of Burundi and Emmanuel Mugabe of Rwanda, bringing the number of sitting commissioners to three.

East African Community Competition Authority Stategic Plan

Their appointments are expected to grow regional enforcement capacity and strategic direction as the EACCA gears up to implement its second Strategic Plan.

Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba, EAC Deputy Secretary-General for Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, welcomed the new commissioners, calling their installation timely as the Authority prepares to operationalize its regional merger regime later this year.

“The expertise you bring will help the EACCA leverage gains from established agencies like Kenya’s and guide implementation of competition policy across the region,” she said.

EACCA Acting Registrar Stellah Onyancha confirmed that the delay in launching the merger notification framework had been addressed, with legal amendments finalized through the EAC Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023. Merger notifications are set to begin in October.

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“The changes will enhance ease of doing business and improve the investment climate in the region,” Onyancha said.

Profile of David Kemei

 Kemei assumed the position of Director-General of the Authority on October 7, 2024.

In this capacity, he led the implementation of the Authority’s mission in line with the provisions of the Competition Act, CAP 504.

Over the past fifteen years, he has held key leadership positions, gaining proficiency in areas such as financial and corporate management, accounting, project execution, international collaboration, resource mobilization and stakeholder engagement.

He earned both his Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Nairobi.

In addition, he is a certified public accountant, a Certified Regulation Specialist, and holds a certification in executive coaching.

Throughout his career, Kemei has held positions at several notable institutions, including DGMB Training Solutions Ltd, the former Electricity Regulatory Board (now EPRA), Nation Media Group, Windsor Golf Hotels & Country Club Ltd, and Kenya Shell (currently Vivo Energy).

His governance experience includes serving as chairperson and board member at Kenya Reinsurance Corporation, Zep Re, and Kenya Medical Training College. Moreover, he chaired the audit committee of the Commission for Revenue Allocation.

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