NAIROBI, Kenya – In a move to address public backlash, the Kenyan government has withdrawn its plan to require all travelers entering the country to declare their mobile phones’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers upon arrival.
Originally slated for January 1, 2025, the policy, introduced by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), was intended to control unregistered devices and ensure compliance with tax and safety standards.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano announced the reversal, emphasizing Kenya’s goal of maintaining a tourist-friendly environment and bolstering its reputation as East Africa’s tourism and business hub.
“Tourists will not be required to declare their devices’ IMEI numbers upon arrival,” Miano confirmed, highlighting the strategic importance of keeping Kenya accessible to international visitors.
The policy change followed intense consultations among government bodies. Officials had previously suggested that tourists could be placed on a ‘greylist’ to allow a grace period for compliance.
However, concerns about privacy and accessibility led to a reconsideration.
Communications Authority Director General David Mugonyi addressed Parliament’s Committee on Communication, Information, and Innovation, reassuring lawmakers and the public that privacy would not be compromised.
“This engagement has nothing to do with the transactions we carry out on our phones. Our focus is on ensuring that imported devices meet tax and quality standards. The KRA will not have access to people’s data,” Mugonyi clarified during the hearing.
The now-abandoned policy would have been among Kenya’s most stringent measures targeting device registration at entry points.
Lawmakers raised concerns over potential privacy implications, questioning if the KRA’s enforcement could violate constitutional privacy protections.
Originally slated for January 1, 2025, the policy, introduced by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), was intended to control unregistered devices and ensure compliance with tax and safety standards.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano announced the reversal, emphasizing Kenya’s goal of maintaining a tourist-friendly environment and bolstering its reputation as East Africa’s tourism and business hub.
“Tourists will not be required to declare their devices’ IMEI numbers upon arrival,” Miano confirmed, highlighting the strategic importance of keeping Kenya accessible to international visitors.
The policy change followed intense consultations among government bodies. Officials had previously suggested that tourists could be placed on a ‘greylist’ to allow a grace period for compliance.
However, concerns about privacy and accessibility led to a reconsideration.
Communications Authority Director General David Mugonyi addressed Parliament’s Committee on Communication, Information, and Innovation, reassuring lawmakers and the public that privacy would not be compromised.
“This engagement has nothing to do with the transactions we carry out on our phones. Our focus is on ensuring that imported devices meet tax and quality standards. The KRA will not have access to people’s data,” Mugonyi clarified during the hearing.
The now-abandoned policy would have been among Kenya’s most stringent measures targeting device registration at entry points.
Lawmakers raised concerns over potential privacy implications, questioning if the KRA’s enforcement could violate constitutional privacy protections.
