Government Issues Fresh Warning To Kenyans Over Purchase And Use Of The Following Phones

The government has issued a fresh warning to members of the public against the purchase and use of mobile phones that have not been officially approved for use in the country, citing serious safety, health, and network-related risks.

In a public notice dated Tuesday, February 10, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) raised concern over the increasing number of non-type-approved mobile phones finding their way into the Kenyan market. The regulator said the trend poses a growing threat to consumers as well as to the integrity of the country’s telecommunications networks.

According to the Authority, all mobile devices sold or used in Kenya are required to undergo a mandatory Type Approval process, known as Type A approval. This process is designed to confirm that devices comply with both national and international standards relating to user safety, health protection, quality performance, and electromagnetic compatibility.

CA explained that phones which bypass this approval process may not meet minimum safety thresholds and could expose users to a range of risks. These include potential health hazards linked to unchecked electromagnetic emissions, poor call quality, frequent network disruptions, and interference with other communication systems.

“Through ongoing market surveillance, the Authority has noted an influx of non-type-approved mobile phones in the market, which pose a safety and health risk to users,” the regulator stated.

The Authority further cautioned that such devices may not perform as expected, often breaking down quickly or failing to support essential network functions. In some cases, the phones may interfere with licensed communication networks, affecting service delivery to other users.

“The Authority therefore advises the public not to buy the above non-type-approved brands of mobile phones, and vendors are strictly prohibited from selling the same,” the notice added.

CA warned that traders found dealing in unapproved mobile devices will face enforcement action in line with existing laws and regulations. At the same time, consumers were strongly advised to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing phones from unauthorized dealers or informal electronics shops where counterfeit or unapproved devices are more likely to be sold.

The brands include TINSIK, BUNDY, X.ODA, REALFONE, QQMEE, SMBA, F+, U-FM, Q-SEVEN, FONROX, CHATADA, UGBAD, MEZ, SUPERX, FT, NEMOJO, MOMOFLY, RAENO, VUE, WR and SWITCH.

To protect themselves, members of the public were urged to only buy mobile phones from licensed telecommunication equipment vendors. A full list of approved vendors is available on the Authority’s official website at www.ca.go.ke/licensee-register.

In addition, CA encouraged consumers to verify that any mobile phone they intend to purchase has been type-approved by checking the official list of approved equipment published by the Authority. This step, the regulator said, is crucial in ensuring that buyers get genuine, safe, and reliable devices.

For further verification, individuals can confirm the authenticity of a mobile phone by dialing *#06# on the device to retrieve its unique 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. The IMEI number can then be sent via SMS to 1555, after which the user will receive confirmation on whether the device is approved for use in Kenya.

The directive forms part of the government’s broader efforts to crack down on counterfeit and substandard goods in the market, to protect consumers from potentially dangerous products and safeguard the country’s communication infrastructure.

A recent report by the Communications Authority paints a worrying picture of the scale of the problem. According to the report, between 30 percent and 40 percent of mobile phones currently in use in Kenya are counterfeit. This means that as many as four out of every 10 mobile phones in the country may be fake, unapproved, or below required safety standards.

The Authority reiterated its commitment to intensifying market surveillance and enforcement measures, while calling on the public to play their part by making informed purchasing decisions and reporting suspected counterfeit devices.

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