Summary
- The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has banned 21 unapproved mobile phone brands from the Kenyan market.
- CA Director General David Mugonyi warned that the devices pose safety and health risks.
- Kenyans are urged to verify phone authenticity by dialing *#06# and sending the IMEI number to 1555.
NAIROBI, Kenya – The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has banned 21 mobile phone brands from the local market, warning that the devices are not type-approved and may pose safety and health risks to users.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, CA Director General David Mugonyi cautioned against what he described as an influx of non-type approved mobile phones, saying the gadgets do not meet required national and international standards.
Among the banned brands are: Tinsik, Realfone, F+, Fonrox, Mez, Nemojo, Vue, Bundy, Qqmee, U-FM, Chatada, Superx, Momofly, WR, X Oda, Smba, Q-Seven, Ugbad, FT, Raeno, and Switch.
The Authority has warned members of the public against purchasing the listed brands and directed vendors to immediately stop selling them.
Why the Phones Were Banned
According to Mugonyi, the banned devices have not undergone Kenya’s mandatory Type Approval process, which ensures ICT products meet safety standards.
“The Authority, through a Type Approval process, ensures that all ICT devices comply with national and international standards related to safety, health and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), thereby protecting consumers from hazardous products, minimizing health risks and preventing harmful interference with other electronic equipment,” he stated.
The CA emphasized that unapproved devices may expose users to health hazards and could interfere with telecommunications networks.
How to Verify Your Phone’s Authenticity
Kenyans have been urged to buy mobile phones only from licensed vendors and verify the approval status of devices before purchase.
Consumers can check authenticity by:
- Dialing *#06# to display the phone’s 15-digit IMEI number.
- Sending the IMEI number via SMS to 1555 (free of charge).
- Confirming the device’s status on the CA website.
The regulator says the verification process is aimed at protecting consumers from counterfeit or unsafe gadgets.
