Starting January 1, 2025, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) will roll out a comprehensive system to track all mobile phones in the country.
This system will mandate that manufacturers, importers, and retailers register the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of all devices assembled or imported from November 1, 2024.
This requirement is part of a broader effort by the government to improve tax compliance and eliminate counterfeit mobile phones from the market.
The IMEI tracking system will enable the government to build a database that can distinguish between legitimate and counterfeit or stolen phones.
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) will play a central role by preventing devices with unregistered or non-compliant IMEIs from accessing their services.
According to the Communications Authority of Kenya, this move is critical in addressing the growing problem of counterfeit phones, which not only pose a risk to consumers but also lead to significant tax losses.
The decision to track phones is linked to the need to enforce tax regulations on imported electronics. Devices that enter the Kenyan market without proper documentation of tax compliance will be identified and blocked.
This initiative is expected to not only widen the tax net but also eliminate unauthorized devices, which have flooded the market.
Importers and retailers have been given ample time to adjust to the new requirements, with the registration of IMEI numbers being made mandatory for all phones introduced after November 2024.The IMEI tracking system is also designed to reduce mobile phone-related crimes, particularly phone theft.
When a phone is stolen, thieves often use it to scam people using the victim’s personal data or access their mobile money accounts.
With the new system, stolen devices will be rendered useless as their IMEIs will be flagged and blocked from connecting to any network.
This will be a significant deterrent for mobile phone theft, as stolen phones will no longer hold value for criminals.However, the initiative has sparked concerns about privacy.
Some critics argue that tracking IMEIs could open the door to unwarranted surveillance of phone users.
The government, however, has sought to allay these fears by stating that the system will strictly adhere to constitutional protections around privacy and will only be used for the purposes of curbing counterfeit devices and tax evasion.
Beyond the immediate goal of curbing the counterfeit phone market, the tracking system is expected to improve the overall safety and reliability of mobile devices in Kenya.
By blocking illegal devices from accessing mobile networks, the government aims to ensure that consumers can trust the quality and safety of the phones they purchase.
This is particularly important in a country where mobile phones play a crucial role in accessing financial services, communications, and online platforms.
In suhe partnership between KRA and CAK to track mobile phones starting in 2025 represents a multi-faceted effort to enhance tax compliance, fight counterfeit goods, and reduce mobile phone theft. While there are concerns about privacy, the initiative is positioned as a necessary step to modernize Kenya’s telecommunications sector and secure its economic interests. Manufacturers, importers, and retailers must prepare for the impending changes, as failure to comply will result in their devices being barred from accessing mobile networks.
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