Communications Authority warns against purchase of unapproved mobile phones

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has warned consumers against the purchase and use of mobile phones that have not been approved by the regulator.

The regulator cited safety, health and compliance concerns.

In the notice released on Tuesday, the authority said it had detected an influx of non-type-approved mobile devices in the market through its market surveillance activities.

It warned that such devices pose potential risks to users and may not meet national and international standards on safety, health and electromagnetic compatibility.

The CA said its Type Approval framework is designed to ensure all ICT equipment entering the Kenyan market complies with established technical specifications.

These standards are intended to protect consumers from hazardous products, reduce health risks and prevent harmful interference with other electronic communications equipment.

“Through market surveillance, the authority has noted an influx of non-type-approved mobile phones which pose a safety and health risk to users,” the notice stated.

The regulator advised Kenyans not to purchase the affected devices and warned vendors against stocking or selling them.

It said the sale of non-compliant handsets undermines consumer protection safeguards and may attract regulatory enforcement measures.

To safeguard themselves, consumers have been urged to purchase mobile phones only from licensed telecommunication equipment vendors listed on the authority’s website.

The CA encouraged buyers to ensure any handset they intend to purchase has been approved by cross-checking the official register of approved equipment available online.

Consumers can confirm the authenticity of a mobile phone before purchase by dialling *#06# to retrieve the device’s 15-digit IMEI number and sending it via SMS to 1555, or by using the IMEI verification tool on the authority’s website, free of charge.

The authority reiterated its mandate as the regulator of Kenya’s ICT sector, with responsibilities spanning telecommunications, cybersecurity, e-commerce, broadcasting and postal services.

It also oversees the management of the country’s numbering and frequency spectrum resources and administers the universal service fund.

For further clarification, Kenyans have been advised to contact the authority through its official telephone numbers or email address.

CA listed at least 21 mobile phone brands that it has warned Kenyans to stay away from.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of substandard electronic devices in the local market, as regulators step up efforts to enforce compliance and protect consumers.