Senators Raise Alarm Over ‘Lipa Polepole’ Phone Dealers, Call for Stronger Data Protection
Kenyan senators are demanding tougher data protection laws to regulate phone vendors offering devices through installment payment plans, popularly known as “lipa polepole.”
During a Senate session held on Tuesday, May 13, Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina voiced serious concerns about how these vendors are handling customer data.
He alleged that some of them are selling customers’ personal information to third parties, which puts the data privacy rights of ordinary citizens at risk.
Senator Ledama called on lawmakers, especially those in the Senate, to urgently review and strengthen the current Data Protection Act.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that all personal information submitted by customers when applying for a phone on credit is safeguarded.
“We must take deliberate steps when it comes to data protection. When we hear that people who can’t afford to pay for phones upfront are buying them on credit, and then their private data is being sold to third parties, we should be concerned. This raises a serious question about what we must do to stop such exploitation,” he said.
He added, “In this era, data is considered one of the most valuable assets a person can own. Yet, we’re doing very little to protect the data of poor Kenyans.
As legislators, it’s our responsibility to examine how we can amend the Data Protection Act to make it more effective.”
Senator Ledama also emphasized the need for telecommunications companies to come up with innovative and secure ways to protect their customers’ information, especially during financial transactions.
He believes there should be more accountability in how telcos handle data during purchases or mobile payments.
Additionally, he raised concern over the widespread registration of multiple SIM cards under a single ID number. According to him, this loophole has made it easy for fraudsters to operate.
He recommended that the number of SIM cards a single individual can register should be limited.
“We need to look into whether it is time to place restrictions on the number of mobile lines one person can own. Right now, a single person can use one ID to register over 20 different SIM cards.
When you track those numbers, you’ll find they’re being used in scams and fraudulent activities,” Ledama added.
Meanwhile, Vihiga County Senator Godfrey Osotsi criticized the country’s data regulators, particularly the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK).
He claimed these agencies lack skilled technology professionals who understand the complexities of digital systems and data security.
“As a technology expert, I believe it is time for us to take a fresh look at the entire Data Protection Act. There are many inconsistencies, even in how the data protection office functions,” Osotsi said.
He also criticized the CAK’s recent decision to increase spectrum license fees, warning that such a move could hurt local telecom companies.
According to him, the rising costs may force some operators out of the market, which could negatively impact the country’s economy.
Spectrum licenses give companies the exclusive rights to use specific radio frequencies for services like broadcasting, mobile networks, and data transmission. These licenses are essential for the operation of telecom businesses.
Senator Osotsi questioned the leadership and qualifications of those running these key agencies. “At CAK, the Director General has a background in journalism, and the chairperson is a businesswoman with no deep understanding of technology.
I think the Senate ICT Committee needs to closely examine the qualifications of those managing these critical sectors,” he said.
The senators are urging urgent legislative action to close data protection gaps and prevent further misuse of personal information, especially among vulnerable populations.
They say better policies and competent leadership are vital to protecting Kenyans in the fast-evolving digital economy.
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