Auctioneers in Kenya are grappling with enduring public distrust despite operating under parliamentary regulations and professional oversight, as economic challenges intensify. A 2021 Central Bank of Kenya report linked rising non-performing loans to pandemic-related disruptions, increasing pressure on the profession.
Maurice Osundwa, an auctioneer, emphasized that the profession involves rigorous training and legal accountability. "The image of auctioneers as villains is inaccurate," he said. "We undergo regular training and operate under strict regulations." Osundwa noted that misconduct can lead to penalties from both the Auctioneers Licensing Board and courts.
Eunice Wangaya, based in Kisumu, described harrowing experiences, including threats from a politician during a debt enforcement operation. She highlighted the emotional complexity of her work, such as executing notices against a woman with a newborn facing rent arrears. "Our role requires balancing legal obligations with empathy," Wangaya said.
Herman Kasili, a member of the Auctioneers Licensing Board, clarified that auctioneers act under parliamentary acts. "They are not goons but officers of the court fulfilling specific roles," he stated. Kasili urged the public to recognize their professional status.
The Auctioneers Act 526, established after 1996, created a regulatory framework overseen by a board including legal and financial experts. Dennis Kirui, chairman of the National Association of Kenya Auctioneers, affirmed that the profession is now professionally governed, akin to other regulated fields.
The 2021 Central Bank report identified real estate, tourism, and personal loans as sectors with the highest non-performing loans, attributing the trend to pandemic-driven economic challenges. This has increased the workload for auctioneers, who play a critical role in asset recovery.
