Bad News To Kenyans As Govt Reveals Phones To Be Switched Off From Next Week, Reveals The Reason

Starting November 1, the Communications Authority (CA) of Kenya will implement strict new regulations for the mobile phone market. 

This directive aims to ensure that mobile devices imported or assembled in Kenya meet updated tax compliance standards. 

The new rules will impact importers, retailers, network providers, and consumers, creating a more regulated and transparent mobile device market.

From November, all mobile phone operators and dealers are required to follow these updated compliance rules, including implementing systems to monitor and verify tax-compliant devices. 

Devices not meeting the new standards will be placed on a "gray list," giving owners a limited time to comply. 

Devices that are not regularized within this period will be "blacklisted" and disconnected from network services. However, devices already connected by October 31, 2023, will not be affected by these rules.

To further enforce compliance, the CA requires local phone assemblers to register the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of each device they produce in a national database. 

This database, known as the National Master Database on Tax-Compliant Devices, will help track sales and enforce compliance, ensuring that only authorized and compliant devices enter the Kenyan market.

Importers must disclose the IMEI numbers of all devices they bring into Kenya, even those imported for research or testing. 

This requirement is mandatory for all mobile phones entering the country. According to the CA, this database will help monitor the movement and sale of mobile devices, creating a safer and more compliant market for consumers.

Retailers and wholesalers will also need to adhere to these rules, only selling devices that meet the updated tax compliance standards. 

The CA is also providing verification tools for consumers, allowing them to confirm a device’s compliance status before purchasing it. This ensures that consumers avoid unauthorized or potentially unregulated products.

In addition, network providers are expected to play a role by allowing only compliant devices to connect to their networks. 

The CA will assist by providing telcos with a "whitelist" of approved devices to ensure only compliant devices gain network access.

While these rules may increase compliance costs for local assemblers and importers, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers, they may also encourage companies to set up more assembly points within Kenya. 

This shift could reduce double taxation burdens and boost local manufacturing, benefiting the economy in the long term.