Auctioneers push for public awareness and respect in their work

 

Auctioneers during a national conference in Kisumu

Auctioneers in Kenya are calling for greater public understanding of their roles as officers of the court.

Their work is guided by strict legal frameworks and is crucial to the enforcement of justice, they said.

Kensap national chair Philip Kamuya underscored the importance of their work in repossessions and distress orders, many times under challenging circumstances.

"Our members execute court orders, often facing significant security risks in the field," Kamuya said at a summit. 

"This conference is about addressing these challenges and sensitising the public that auctioneers are professionals executing rightful court orders."

The chairperson said while they are at the end of justice systems, they are faced with challenges including physical attacks.

His sentiments were echoed by Maurice Osundwa of the National Association of Kenya Auctioneers.

Osundwa noted there were negative public perceptions and misconceptions about what auctioneers do.

"Bad things sell faster than good and the benefits we bring to the economy are often overshadowed by the emotional responses of those we execute against," he said.

Osundwa, who is the national chairperson, highlighted the importance of public education in changing these perceptions.

Auctioneers often work to mediate and negotiate payments on behalf of debtors, allowing them more favourable terms to settle their debts. 

"We are like police officers enforcing the tail-end decisions of the court. The public needs to understand that we are not the adversaries in these situations, we are merely executing legal judgments."

The auctioneers also called on the public to engage with them respectfully, saying they are not only professionals but also members of the community with families to support.

 "We earn a living like any other Kenyan and we want to be viewed with a human face," Osundwa said.

He stressed on the need for public cooperation and understanding in their line of duty.

The professionals spoke in Kisumu during their annual training to earn points needed for their licensing.

The session was also to brainstorm on streamlining the sector and to address challenges they face in their daily work.

The conference, which is one of four held annually across different regions of Kenya, also focused on training and professional development for auctioneers. 

Darius Wambua, the secretary general of the National Association of Kenya Auctioneers, said the training sessions were key in ensuring that auctioneers remain compliant with the law.

"Licensing, regulation, supervision and training are core mandates of the licensing board," Wambua said.

The conference was not just about addressing the challenges they face but also about professionalising their trade and maintaining high standards.

"We want the media to help us in sensitising the public to understand our work so that when they see us, they don’t automatically condemn us as bad people."

During the conference, the Star newspaper's Commercial Manager Ronald Ayieta announced plans to partner with auctioneers to enhance their public engagement. 

Ayieta highlighted the essential role auctioneers play.

“I am honoured to be here today at the Auctioneers Workshop. Your work is essential to our economy and it demands the attention and respect it rightly deserves.”

by FAITH MATETE