Members of Parliament have raised concerns over the use of goons and excessive force by some auctioneers when taking possession of property, warning that the practice is exposing Kenyans to intimidation and losses.
The issue came up on Wednesday when the National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education questioned the Auctioneers Licensing Board (ALB) over how it regulates the profession.
The committee was also reviewing Auditor-General reports covering the financial years between 2018/19 and 2024/25.
Chaired by Luanda MP Dick Maungu, the committee wanted to know what the board was doing to deal with unlicensed and rogue auctioneers, particularly those accused of using gangs while carrying out their work.
Maungu said rogue auctioneers were hurting the reputation of those who operate within the law and making it difficult for the public to trust the profession.
“You will agree with me that we have quack lawyers, so you also have quack auctioneers,” Maungu told the board.
The MPs also questioned how some auctioneers execute court warrants, with concerns raised over the use of unauthorised people to intimidate or overpower those whose property is being seized.
The committee said debt recovery and enforcement of court orders must be done within the law and should not turn into harassment or violence against members of the public.
ALB Chief Executive Officer Festus Terer told the MPs that the board had reached out to the police leadership over the issue.
Terer said he met Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja in May, together with members of the board, to discuss challenges facing the auctioneering sector.
“We want auctioneers to use police, not goons,” Terer said.
He said the engagement was part of efforts to bring more order to the sector and ensure auctioneers use lawful means when seeking security during their operations.
However, Central Imenti MP Moses Kirima said disciplinary measures against rogue auctioneers were not enough.
Kirima called for a system that would allow people who suffer losses during auctioneering operations to seek compensation for their property or money.
The ALB boss also told the committee that the board had stepped up inspections of auctioneers.
He cited an exercise conducted in June which found some practitioners operating without proper offices, among other compliance problems.
Terer, however, said the board’s ability to compensate victims was limited by the Auctioneers Act.
He pointed to Section 24 of the law, which limits the circumstances under which compensation can be ordered.
