The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has directed mobile network operators, including Airtel, Safaricom, and Telkom, to connect devices to their networks only after confirming their tax compliance status.
This verification will be done through a whitelist database of compliant devices provided by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
This comes at a time when CA has issued new regulations that will require local device assemblers, importers, retailers, wholesalers and mobile network operators to upload International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of all mobile phone devices into a KRA-provided portal to ensure tax compliance. The new requirements will only apply to all devices imported or assembled in the country from November 1, 2024.
All existing devices that will be on the mobile networks by October 31, 2024 will not be affected.
“Operators will also be required to provide for the gray-listing of non-compliant devices to facilitate regularisation within a prescribed period, failure to which the devices will thereafter be blacklisted,” the regulator said.
Additionally, effective from January 1, 2025, KRA will begin tracking all locally assembled and imported phones sold in Kenya to ensure integrity and tax compliance.
For retailers and wholesalers, CA said they must ensure that they only sell or distribute mobile devices that are tax-compliant.
“The Authority will provide means by which the tax compliance status of mobile devices can be verified before purchase by retailers or end-users,” CA said.
For all mobile phone importers, the regulator said they will be required to disclose the IMEI numbers in their respective import documents submitted to KRA on the importation of devices for sale, testing, research or any other purpose.
“This disclosure is mandatory for the registration of the devices in the National Master Database on Tax Compliant Devices,” CA said.
The IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code used to identify a mobile device. Every phone has its own IMEI number, which can be used for several purposes, including Device Identification, Security and Theft Prevention and Network Services: IMEI numbers can help mobile networks track phones and ensure proper operation on their network. It also assists in the provision of services such as connecting to data and voice networks.
You can typically find the IMEI number of your phone by dialling *#06# or checking under the device’s settings or battery compartment.
Follow us on Telegram, Twitter, and Facebook, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates. Send tips to editorial@techtrendsmedia.co.ke
