The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has announced technical specifications for mobile phones and other communication gadgets manufacturing to enhance consumer safety and network reliability.
CA Director General David Mugonyi in a public notice on Tuesday said all individuals, firms or organisations intending to sell, import or use mobile devices must now follow the updated technical standards.
Mugonyi said only authorised vendors are allowed to trade in communication devices that meet the country’s safety standards, ensure efficient network performance and deliver a reliable user experience.
The telcos regulator's role spans standardisation of telecommunications services and equipment to guarantee enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) for consumers when using telecommunication services.
Through the Type Approval of ICT equipment, CA checks safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radiation, and environmental concerns.
"It is notified for the general public, ICT equipment vendors, local mobile phone assemblers and mobile phone manufacturers that the Authority has developed technical specifications for use during the type approval process for mobile cellular devices meant for sale and use in Kenya," the notice appearing on MyGov publication reads in part.
It added, “The specifications can be accessed on the Authority’s website under the Type Approval specifications tab of the Type Approval section at: https://www.ca.go.ke/market-struc-ture.”
The notice comes a month after the agency banned 21 unapproved mobile phone brands from the market, warning that they pose a safety and health risk to users.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, CA cautioned against an influx of the said mobile phone brands, which he referred to as non-type-approved.
“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 read in part.
“Check the authenticity of the mobile phones before purchase, by dialling *#06# and sending the 15-digit IMEI number as an SMS to 1555, or on the CA website free of charge,” Mugonyi stated.
He added, “Vendors are strictly prohibited from selling the identified brands, and consumers are advised to buy mobile phones only from licensed dealers.”
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