The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has announced new requirements for mobile device assemblers, importers, retailers and wholesalers, and mobile network operators effective January 1, 2025.
In a public notice published on Wednesday, October 22, CA said all local assemblers will be required to upload the IMEI number of each locally assembled device to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) provided portal.
The regulatory agency also stated that all importers will be required to disclose IMEI numbers in the respective import documents submitted to KRA.
Additionally, CA noted that retailers and wholesalers must ensure that they only retail or distribute mobile devices that are tax-compliant.
"Retailers and wholesalers of mobile devices must ensure that they only retail or distribute mobile devices that are tax compliant. The Authority will provide the means by which the tax compliance status of mobile devices can be verified before purchase by retailers or end-users," the regulatory body said.
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CA further mentioned that mobile network operators must ensure they connect devices to their networks only after verifying their tax compliance status.
The tax compliance status, according to the regulatory agency, will be verified through a whitelist database of compliant devices which would be provided by the Authority.
"Mobile network operators must ensure that they only connect devices to their networks after verifying the tax compliance status through a whitelist database of compliant devices, which will be provided by the Authority. Operators will also be required to provide for the gray-listing of non-compliant devices to facilitate regularization within a prescribed period, failure to which the devices will thereafter be blacklisted," part of the statement read.
CA stated that the new requirements will only apply to devices imported or assembled in the country from November 1, 2024.
"All existing devices that will be on the mobile networks by 31st October 2024 will not be affected," the agency said.
CA explained that the move is in a bid to enhance the integrity and tax compliance of the mobile devices in Kenya.
This announcement comes a week after President William Ruto's senior economic advisor, Moses Kuria, said the government will block mobile phones imported into the country without paying the applicable taxes.
In an update on X on Thursday, October 10, he said the phones would automatically be restricted from activating on any network.
"We will automatically block from activating on any network any mobile phone imported into the country with no record of having paid applicable taxes. Be guided accordingly," Kuria said.
