NAIROBI, Kenya – The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has directed mobile network operators to temporarily bypass subscribers’ opt-in, opt-out and “Do Not Disturb” settings when sending government-authorised emergency and disaster preparedness messages.
The directive comes ahead of a national early warning system simulation exercise scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026, as authorities step up preparedness for El Niño-related rains.
Under the directive, operators are required to deliver approved emergency communications to all active subscribers, regardless of their existing promotional messaging preferences or previous opt-out arrangements.
Emergency Messages To Reach All Subscribers
The messages will include early warning alerts, disaster preparedness advisories, simulation notifications, emergency instructions and public safety alerts linked to El Niño rains.
In a memo to mobile network operators, CA Director-General David Mugonyi directed telcos to facilitate the test runs and give the communications priority on their networks.
“In view of the urgency and importance of the exercise, the Authority hereby directs all mobile network operators to facilitate the test runs scheduled for October 2nd, 2026,” Mugonyi said in the October 1 memo.
The CA directed operators to exempt government-authorised emergency bulk SMS communications from the opt-in and opt-out requirements that ordinarily apply to commercial messaging services.
The exemption will apply during the simulation exercises and throughout the El Niño preparedness and response period.
Short Code 1590 To Be Used
The test messages are expected to be disseminated through designated government platforms, including short code 1590.
The authority said the directive is anchored in the State’s constitutional obligation to disseminate information affecting public safety and welfare.
It also cited telecommunications licence conditions requiring operators to facilitate emergency communications when directed by the Government or the CA.
The licence conditions require operators, during a major disaster or other emergency or crisis, to facilitate the provision of information to the public as directed by the Government and prioritise activities required to address the emergency.
Operators are also required to coordinate with competent authorities and provide necessary services where an emergency or crisis involves national security.
CA Cites El Niño Preparedness
Mugonyi said the authority considers early warning system messages, disaster preparedness advisories, simulation notifications, emergency instructions and El Niño-related public safety alerts to fall within the scope of the operators’ emergency communication obligations.
He directed the operators to immediately put in place the necessary technical and operational measures to implement the directive.
The CA said compliance with the directive is mandatory and instructed operators to submit their preparedness status as requested in the communication.
“This direction is issued in the public interest and in fulfilment of the Government’s constitutional obligation to safeguard life, property and national security through timely dissemination of critical public information,” Mugonyi said.
The directive means subscribers who have previously opted out of promotional SMS or activated “Do Not Disturb” settings may still receive government-authorised emergency alerts during the specified preparedness and response period.
