Inside the push to reform Kenya’s auctioneering sector to restore public trust

For many,  the mere mention of an auctioneer evokes anxiety, tension, and outright fear.

The abrupt knock on the door, the red proclamation notice, and the looming threat of property attachment have long dictated public perception of the profession. Yet, behind this notorious image lies a structured legal ecosystem—and a new generation of practitioners determined to redefine the industry from the inside out.

At the forefront of this shift is Maurice Osundwa, the National Chairman of the National Association of Kenya Auctioneers (NAKA).

His journey into the field reflects a broader, urgent effort to professionalise and humanise a deeply misunderstood sector.

Osundwa’s background breaks the traditional mould. Armed with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from St. Paul’s University, a Diploma in French, and currently pursuing a PhD in Marketing, his academic pedigree challenges the stereotype of the aggressive, unpolished debt collector.

“I was inspired to venture into auctioneering to understand what truly happens in the sector,” Osundwa says. “From the outside, it is easy to judge. But from within, you see the systems, the laws, and the heavy responsibility involved. My goal has always been to help build a professional education framework for auctioneers in Kenya.”

In Kenya, the profession is strictly governed by the Auctioneers Act (Cap 526), the Auctioneers Rules of 1997, and the Civil Procedure Act. Auctioneers are not rogue actors; they are licensed officers of the court, mandated to execute lawful orders such as warrants of attachment, distress for rent, or evictions following due judicial process.

Despite this robust legal foundation, the profession wrestles with a severely negative public image. This stigma is often fueled by isolated cases of misconduct, widespread misinformation, and the inherently adversarial nature of debt enforcement.

Osundwa believes the antidote is internal reform. “I am motivated by the desire to change the perception of auctioneers,” he explains. “We must demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and respect in every engagement. The public needs to understand that we are not the enemy—we are facilitators of justice.”

As the Director of Mamuka Auctioneers, Osundwa embeds this philosophy into his daily operations. His firm heavily emphasizes consultation, training, and ethical conduct. Every team member is trained to navigate both the rigid legal framework and the delicate human dimension of their work.

“We invest heavily in training because execution is not just about enforcement; it is about responsibility,” he notes. “Every case is unique. Some require negotiation, others mediation, and all demand clear communication.”

The client approach technique is vital in breaking from the traditional, forceful methods historically associated with the trade. According to Osundwa, a lawful execution begins with a dignified introduction.

“When we visit a debtor, the first step is to explain who we are, why we are there, and what the law requires,” he says. “We ensure the debtor understands their rights, including the option to negotiate, seek legal redress, or settle the matter within the notice period.” 

Osundwa pointed out that when tensions escalate between an auctioneer and a client, the law dictates that the auctioneer does not act outside the law. They are obligated to apply to the court for police assistance orders. Everything must be done strictly within the Auctioneers Act and the 2009 Practice Rules.

The auctioneering industry comes with  its own share of e psychological pressure .“Sourcing for work is not easy,” Osundwa admits. “You must build credibility with clients, law firms, and financial institutions. Simultaneously, you need a team you can trust to execute assignments professionally and legally.”

Osundwa envisions a formalized training and certification system. “We need to move towards a structured professional framework,” he asserts. “My long-term goal is to establish an auctioneers’ training institute where practitioners can be trained, certified, and continuously developed. This will elevate standards and restore public confidence.”

He further revealed that the association plans to carry out a national training program in both certificate and diploma courses in the auctioneering industry.

Osundwa pointed out that they have already signed an MOU with the UK examining body, ICM. “This training aims to professionalise the industry just like our peers in Nigeria and South Africa. We intend to make this sector more attractive and also a key job creator in Kenya.”

Such an institution would finally align auctioneering with other regulated professions in Kenya. In an increasingly complex legal and economic landscape, auctioneers serve as the final link in the chain of justice—ensuring court decisions translate from theoretical rulings into practical realities.

As Kenya refines its legal systems, voices like Osundwa’s signal a vital evolution in the auctioneering sector. The challenge now is whether the broader public, policymakers, and institutions are ready to recognize and support this transformation.