The Communications Authority of Kenya, (CA) has issued a warning for deactivation of unregistered SIM cards which shall not have been updated per the current regulatory requirements by April 15, 2022.

While addressing media during a three-day workshop in Naivasha, the communications industry regulator asserted the move was informed by the need to enhance owner identification and verification in response to the need of curbing rampant cases of fraud especially in the financial industry.

“The Authority adopted the 2017 Quality of Service Assessment Framework in evaluating the Mobile Network Operator’s network performance in terms of quality of Voice Telephony, Data and SMS services,” said the  Communications Authority, adding that it is a requirement for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to meet the quality of service requirements as outlined in their NFP-T1 licenses.

Mobile phones and other devices have become integral to business and socialization. Since 2015, the communications industry regulator has prevailed upon the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to switch off the unregistered mobile phone numbers. The country in overall has 61 million mobile phone subscribers

In the new framework, SIM card owners are required to produce a soft copy of identification documents together with a current photo – taken onsite. Previously the SIM card registration only required their owners to provide ID numbers and names of the owners.

Criminals are able to obtain an individual’s SIM card through phishing tactics by pretending to be the victim’s mobile carrier, according to the industry regulator. “Once the SIM is swapped, the victim’s calls, texts, and other data are diverted to the criminal’s device,” added the Communications Authority.

This move, the authority noted, follows an audit that revealed gaps in SIM card registration in the country and will help in curbing anonymous fraudulent crimes committed by owners of SIM cards.

“Your SIM card is no longer just for communication. It is now your identity,” the regulator said.

If someone puts your SIM card in their phone, provided the SIM is network compatible and unprotected, they may be able to impersonate you, send and receive calls and messages as you, use your data plan, access your social accounts, sell your information, and possibly gain access to your bank account.

Kenya media practitioners follow a session during the media workshop hosted by the Communications Authority in Naivasha.

In a different session, the regulator also noted that it has enhanced the uptake of telephony services in the country in preparation for the forthcoming national elections.

It noted that 96% of the country now has access to 3G network coverage to facilitate transmission of election data come, slated in August 2022. The regulator therefore projects a seamless relaying of election results.

While giving his welcome speech virtually , Tom Olwero, Director, Frequency Spectrum Management, who represented the Director General, Ezra Chiloba, noted that the media engagement will set the pace for renewed interest in a work collaboration, and that by working together, there will be an understanding on the place of ICTs in the socio-economic transformation of the country.