A consumer is anyone who buys or uses things — like food (unga, vegetables), clothes, airtime or soap. You are a consumer when you buy sweets from a kiosk or help your parent buy groceries at the market.

• To be safe — products should not harm you (no bad chemicals in food or toys).
• To know the truth — labels should show ingredients, weight and expiry date.
• To choose — you can pick where to buy and which brand to buy.
• To fair price — goods should be sold at a real price (e.g., KSh 50 means KSh 50).
• To complain and get help — if something is wrong you can ask for a refund, change or a fix.

• Read labels and check expiry dates before you buy.
• Pay the right amount and keep the receipt or till slip.
• Treat shopkeepers and sellers with respect when you ask for help.
• If you are not sure, ask a parent, teacher or elder to help you decide.

• Expiry date: Do not buy if expired or the date is gone.
• Weight/Quantity: Does the packet say 1 kg or 2 kg? Is the packet full?
• Price: Check the price sticker and ask for the price if not shown (e.g., KSh 100).
• Packaging: If a tin or packet is broken or rusted, don’t buy it.

If one packet of unga is KSh 120 for 2 kg and another is KSh 65 for 1 kg — which is cheaper per kg?

1. Tell the seller nicely and show the product and receipt.
2. If seller does not help, tell a parent or teacher to help you speak to them.
3. Keep the product and the receipt — do not throw them away.
4. If the problem is still not solved, grown-ups can report to consumer groups or government agencies in Kenya (for example, the Competition Authority of Kenya or Kenya Bureau of Standards).

• Wash your hands after touching many things at the market.
• Ask to see goods hidden in the back — you have a right to check.
• Do not accept broken or open packets of food.

• Label hunt: Bring three packets from home and find the expiry date, weight and price on each.
• Role-play: One student is seller, one is buyer — practice asking for a receipt and checking the product.
• Price compare: With help, compare prices of two similar items and find the cheaper one per kg or per piece.

Parents, teachers, market elders, or consumer help offices in Kenya (like CAK or KEBS). Always tell a trusted adult if you are not sure.

Remember: Read, Ask and Save the receipt. Be a smart consumer!