The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has given steps about how Kenyans can check if their mobile phones are approved to operate in the country, after it flagged 21 mobile brands.
This is after CA Director General David Mugonyi urged Kenyans to verify the authenticity and approval status of any handset before buying.
In a notice, Mugonyi christened the brands’ non-type-approved mobile phones, warning that the devices may pose safety, health, and performance risks.
Kenyan policies dictate that all ICT equipment must undergo the Authority’s Type Approval process to ensure compliance with safety, health, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards.
“The Authority, through a Type Approval process, ensures that all ICT devices comply with national and international standards related to safety, health and electromagnetic compatibility, thereby protecting consumers from hazardous products, minimizing health risks and preventing harmful interference with other electronic equipment,” Mugonyi said.
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The regulator also warned vendors against stocking or selling unapproved devices, stating that the sale of such phones is strictly prohibited.
If you own a mobile device but suspect its brand authenticity, CA has advised to check license register on its website (https://www.ca.go.ke/license-register).
Buyers can also verify a phone’s authenticity by dialing *#06# to retrieve the 15-digit IMEI number and sending it via SMS to 1555 or by using the IMEI checker available on the CA website.
21 brands that have been flagged in the country are TINSIK, REALFONE, F+, FONROX, MEZ, NEMOJO, VUE, BUNDY, QQMEE, U-FM, CHATADA, SUPERX, MOMOFLY, WR, X.ODA, SMBA, Q-SEVEN, UGBAD, FT, RAENO and SWITCH.
Mugonyi says avoid these brands.
