In an era where smartphones are the gateway to a digital future, the recent announcements from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) have ignited a heated debate among Kenyans. It all started on October 15, when the CAK issued a somewhat low-key reminder about the mandatory type approval of all telecommunications equipment in the country. To many, this seemed like just another bureaucratic formality. But just as Kenyans were brushing off that message, today, on October 24, the CAK dropped yet another bombshell — a directive that has left consumers and tech enthusiasts alike scratching their heads, if not shaking their fists.
What’s cooking at CAK?
The latest public notice, aimed at ensuring tax compliance and integrity for mobile devices, takes a no-nonsense approach to the regulation of phones in Kenya. From January 1, 2025, all mobile devices assembled, imported, or sold in Kenya will have to go through a rigorous approval process that includes registration of their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.
For local assemblers, the IMEI numbers of every device will need to be uploaded to a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) portal for tax compliance. Importers will also be required to disclose IMEI numbers in their documentation, and retailers will only be allowed to sell tax-compliant devices. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) will need to connect devices to their networks only after verifying them against a whitelist provided by the CAK.
Sounds simple enough, right? Not really. What has sparked an uproar among Kenyans is not just the new bureaucratic hurdle, but the implications of this regulation on personal privacy, access to technology, and the future of Kenya’s digital growth. The outcry has been swift, passionate, and, in typical Kenyan style, brutally honest.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Enhancing Integrity and Tax Compliance of Mobile Devices in Kenya@Mugonyid @marywambui_m @MoICTKenya @KRACorporate pic.twitter.com/SLrxUcariT— Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) (@CA_Kenya) October 24, 2024
Kenyans on X react: “State capture?” “Nonsense!” “Imbeciles!”
The floodgates of public opinion burst open, with Kenyans questioning the motives and practicality of the CAK’s move. “This means you guys can track Kenyans whenever, wherever. We are not safe!” cried one user on X, echoing the concerns of many who see this as a move toward increased surveillance. “A day is coming when Kenyans will come for you and recover this country from state CAPTURE.”
Others expressed outright confusion and anger. “What the hell is that CAK nonsense?” another user fumed.
What the hell is that CAK nonsense? What exactly are they saying? That a phone won't work if you don't register IMEI with them? So I go to Tanzania lose my phone then buy another I have to come pay taxes for it here? Every single person in the Govt right now is a huge imbecile.
— Neli (@MainNeli_) October 23, 2024
For many Kenyans, this new regulation reeks of unnecessary government interference. The digital world, especially mobile technology, is supposed to be about freedom — freedom to connect, to communicate, to access information. However, this feels as though the government is slapping handcuffs on our phones. Some have taken an even harsher stance. “If they could find a way to tax air, they would. I HATE THEM ALL,” ranted one Kenyan, tired of what they see as an ever-expanding web of government greed.
That electronics thing by CAK is just stupid everyone in governance right now is stupidly greedy
If they could find a way to tax air they would
I HATE THEM ALL
— KingstonGirl🍁 🇰🇪 (@Lsankei99) October 23, 2024
The concerns aren’t just about taxes or paperwork — people are worried about the efficiency of these processes, with one Kenyan sarcastically saying, “Can’t wait for the usual phone can’t be used because MNO has not received its IMEI from CAK because we know how kafmend (government) efficiency works for the 99% of us.”
Can’t wait for the usual phone can’t be used because MNO has not received it’s IMEI from CAK because we know how kafmend efficiency works for the 99% of us 😑 https://t.co/X4hE7oNW3z pic.twitter.com/0MUtD0yIzR
— T·M ♪~ ᕕ(ᐛ)ᕗ (@mbarani) October 24, 2024
What does this mean for Kenya’s digital growth?
Here’s the thing: Kenya is at a critical juncture in its digital journey. Mobile phones have become essential to everyday life — from M-Pesa transactions to education, entertainment, and business. The transition from basic feature phones to smartphones is accelerating, and digital adoption is picking up speed.
A move like this from the CAK has the potential to stall, if not hinder, this growth. By putting up more barriers to access technology, especially for those who rely on affordable, imported devices, the regulation risks slowing down Kenya’s mobile revolution.
Some Kenyans purchase phones from abroad, either because they’re cheaper or because they’re unavailable locally. With these new requirements, importing a phone becomes a bureaucratic nightmare. Consumers will need to ensure that their new phones have registered IMEI numbers with the KRA before they can even use them locally. This could increase the cost of phones significantly, making smartphones a luxury for the elite instead of a necessity for all.
Is this the global norm?
While some countries have implemented similar regulations to combat phone theft and smuggling (for example, the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System in Nigeria), critics argue that the Kenyan approach is overly aggressive and misaligned with the primary goal of promoting digital inclusion. Countries like South Africa and even the United States have some form of IMEI tracking for lost or stolen phones, but these systems are more about consumer protection and less about enforcing tax compliance.
The CAK’s approach, by contrast, places a heavy burden on ordinary consumers, who must navigate complex tax compliance processes to access a fundamental tool for modern living.
Where do we go from here?
As the dust settles from this latest announcement, it’s clear that the CAK’s move has struck a nerve. Kenyans are not just concerned about their pocketbooks — they’re worried about privacy, about government overreach, and about the future of digital innovation in their country.
The directive has sparked talk of legal challenges. Others see it as an infringement on their rights, with comments like “What does IMEI have to do with tax compliance? It’s big nonsense and completely stupid.”
This is very illegal, what does IMEI have to do with tax compliance? It’s big nonsense and completely stupid. https://t.co/UcBhoAg2Nx
— Betty 🌺🪸🌿 (@DoItBetty) October 24, 2024
In a country that prides itself on being a leader in mobile innovation, this latest development from the CAK feels like a step backward for some. While the authority claims it is working to safeguard consumer interests and promote tax compliance, the question remains: at what cost to Kenya’s burgeoning digital future?
As one Kenyan so aptly put it: “Shouldn’t the focus be on protecting citizens’ privacy and rights, rather than turning every phone into a tool for surveillance under the guise of tax compliance?”
Shouldn't the focus be on protecting citizens' privacy and rights, rather than turning every phone into a tool for surveillance under the guise of tax compliance?
— DR.SADIST. (@Dr_Sadist_ke) October 24, 2024
In the end, the success or failure of this policy will depend not just on its implementation, but on whether Kenyans feel that their government is working for them — not against them.
