The government has issued a fresh warning to Kenyans over the purchase and use of certain mobile phone brands that have not been approved for use in the country.
The alert was released by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), which raised concern about the increasing number of mobile devices entering the local market without meeting the required standards.
In a notice dated Tuesday, February 10, the Authority explained that every mobile phone sold or used in Kenya must go through a mandatory Type Approval process.
This process is meant to confirm that devices meet both national and international requirements related to safety, health protection, and electromagnetic compatibility.
According to the regulator, phones that bypass this approval process may expose users to various risks, including poor performance, safety concerns, and interference with communication networks.
The Communications Authority noted that its market surveillance activities have detected an influx of non-type-approved phones being sold across the country.
These devices, the Authority said, pose potential health and safety risks because their quality and technical standards cannot be verified.
As a result, the public has been strongly advised to avoid purchasing the listed brands, while traders have been warned against stocking or selling them. Vendors found violating the directive risk facing enforcement action from the regulator.
The Authority further urged Kenyans to be cautious when buying mobile phones and to ensure they purchase devices only from licensed telecommunication equipment vendors.
Consumers were advised to check the official list of approved equipment available on the Communications Authority’s website before making any purchase.
This step, the regulator said, will help protect buyers from unknowingly acquiring counterfeit or unsafe devices.
In addition, the Authority encouraged members of the public to verify the authenticity of their phones using the IMEI verification system. Users can check their device by dialling *#06# to retrieve the 15-digit IMEI number and sending it via SMS to 1555.
The service allows consumers to confirm whether a phone is genuine and officially recognised within the national system.
The directive forms part of the government’s broader efforts to fight the spread of counterfeit and substandard products in the Kenyan market.
Authorities say fake and unapproved devices not only put consumers at risk but also interfere with communication services and undermine the growth of legitimate businesses in the telecommunications sector.
Data from the Communications Authority shows that the problem remains widespread, with an estimated 30 to 40 per cent of mobile phones currently in use in Kenya believed to be counterfeit.
This means that nearly four out of every ten phones in the country may not meet approved standards, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing regulators and consumers alike.
The government is therefore urging Kenyans to remain vigilant, verify devices before purchase, and avoid unusually cheap phones whose origin or approval status cannot be confirmed.
Officials say these measures are necessary to safeguard public health, improve network reliability, and ensure that consumers receive value for their money when purchasing mobile devices.
Join Tutam Official WhatsApp Channel to stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
