When the bill is higher than the estimate you were given
Consumer Protection Act · sources read 4 Oct 2026
If your agreement with a supplier includes an estimate, they cannot charge you more than 10% above it, and if they do you can insist on paying the estimated price. A repairer also cannot charge for work you did not authorise.
- Deadline
- Demand a refund of an illegal charge within one year after paying it.
- Where
- Deal with the supplier first; then the appropriate court
Steps
- Tell the supplier you will pay the estimated price. The law lets you require the goods or services at that price if the bill is more than 10% over.
- If you already paid an illegal charge, demand a refund by giving the supplier notice within one year of paying.
- The notice can be spoken or written and given by any means. Keeping it in writing (SMS, email or letter) helps you prove it later.
- If the supplier does not refund you, you can go to court to recover the payment.
Watch out
- For repairs, the 10% limit applies to the estimate the repairer gave you.
- If you ask for extra or different work, you and the supplier can agree to change the estimate or price.
- A repairer cannot charge for any work or repairs unless you authorised them.
- A repairer can skip the estimate only if they offered one and you turned it down, you set a maximum amount you will pay, and the bill stays within that maximum.
Who this covers
- Anyone whose consumer agreement includes an estimate: the bill may not go more than 10% above it.
- The repair rules cover suppliers who work on or repair vehicles or other prescribed goods.
Official sources (1)
- Consumer Protection Act, 2012 (No. 46 of 2012), Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 201 parliament.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026