The last minute “nature” of Kenyans, which involuntary “forced” the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) to push the 14th April 2022 deadline of SIM Card registrations to October 15th 2022. Is coming to a close end in less than 11 hours. With the 6 month grace period, not being fully utilised by Kenyans. As 15 million mobile subscribers had not yet registered their SIM cards, by August 30th 2022.
The Communication Authority has stated that the SIM card registration is an avenue of protecting consumers from risks that abound from using unregistered SIM cards, particularly in perpetrating crimes.
“This realisation led to the promulgation of the Kenya Information and Communications (Registration of Sim Cards) Regulations 2015, to address some of the gaps that became manifest in the registration of SIM cards,” Ndaro Matano – CA, stated during the Consumer Protection Webinar held by the authority, this morning.
As part of the re/registration process mobile subscribers will need to submit their ID’s, have their photos and signatures taken, processed and retained by their preferred telecommunication network. Failure to which the SIM cards will be unregistered and ultimately switched off.
Kenyans have been reassured that, their personal data will be protected as stipulated in the Data Protection Act 2019. Mobile subscribers are encouraged to confirm their registration status by using USSD *106# across all telecommunication networks.
However, MPs from drought stricken areas are pleading with the Communication Authority and telecommunication operators to extend the set deadline. As they claim that the SIM cards are, the last lifeline for families who rely and receive cash transfers from donors and governments. With registration not being a key concern of residents in these areas.
“We look forward to receiving final reports from the mobile operators on the status of compliance, to inform the necessary regulatory action,” Ndaro Matano – CA. You have less than 11 hours to complete the exercise.
