Communications Authority (CA) Director General Ezra Chiloba has ruled out any extension for SIM card registration.
In a press release dated Monday, October 17, Chiloba stated that telecommunications companies have a 60-day window to ensure that all of their customers comply with the new directive.
He explained that the 60-day window was for companies to take action against those who had not complied by withdrawing specific services such as voice or data.
“All the Mobile Operators were by the midnight of 15th October 2022 expected to ensure that all subscribers had updated their Sim card registration details in line with the law. Taking into account the improved level of performance so far, Operators are directed to take additional steps to ensure 100 percent compliance in the next 60 days,” the statement read in part.
According to Chiloba, Safaricom subscriber base registered 93% compliance by the Oct 15th deadline, Airtel registered 81.2% while Telkom Kenya case is still under review.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the 60 days is not an extension, but a period for the mobile operators to take certain actions including denial of service to prompt further compliance,” read the statement in part.
“Each Operator is under obligation to ensure 100 percent compliance.”
According to the CA, the operators must continue to deny service and eventually deactivate all improperly registered SIM cards.
It noted that voice, SMS, data, and mobile banking services would be affected.
Chiloba stated that the Authority will conduct a compliance audit to determine the level of compliance.
“Any Mobile Operator found non-compliant shall be liable to regulatory measures including a penalty of up to 0.5 percent of their Annual Gross Turnover,” he added.
Mobile operators deactivated SIM cards that did not comply with the registration directive on October 15.
The action was taken six months after the CA extended the time for Kenyans to register their SIM cards.
According to Chiloba, registration is critical for protecting telecommunications service consumers.
He also stated that it contributes to increased trust in the use of ICTs, which are now at the forefront of the country’s digital transformation agenda.
He stated that the CA will continue to consult with key policy and industry players on future policy, legal, and regulatory interventions to ensure a more efficient, effective, and transparent process of enrolling subscribers for telecommunications and ICT services.
