Kenya: CAK Welcomes Tribunal Ruling On Steel Firms' Price-Fixing Penalties

By Kevin Rotich

Nairobi — The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has welcomed a ruling by the Competition Tribunal upholding its decision to fine five steel companies a total of Sh287.9 million for price fixing, coordinating price adjustments, and limiting imports of certain steel products.

During a sitting on September 11, 2025, the Tribunal dismissed separate appeals by Jumbo Steel Mills Limited and Corrugated Sheets Limited, which sought to overturn the Authority's decision.

This followed an earlier ruling on July 9, 2025, where appeals by Tononoka Rolling Mills Limited, Blue Nile Wire Products Limited, Devki Steel Mills Limited, Accurate Steel Mills Limited, and Nail and Steel Products Limited were also dismissed.

"The Tribunal's findings affirm the Authority's unwavering commitment to protect Kenyan consumers and businesses from the damaging effects of cartel conduct, and the veracity and completeness of our evidence-gathering, analysis, and decision-making processes," said CAK Director-General David Kemei.

In 2023, CAK found that 14 steel companies had colluded to fix prices, restricting competition and unfairly burdening consumers.

Five companies entered settlement negotiations with the Authority under Section 38 of the Competition Act, while nine were penalized a cumulative Sh338.8 million and ordered to cease anti-competitive conduct and adopt compliance programs.

The Tribunal ruled that CAK had accorded all parties due process in line with Article 47 of the Constitution, the Fair Administrative Action Act, and the Competition Act.

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