12 November 2024
To ensure integrity and tax compliance of the mobile devices in Kenya, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has notified all stakeholders, including mobile network operators, involved in the local assembly, importation, distribution as well as connection of mobile devices to local networks, that with effect from 1 January 2025, the following requirements will apply for all mobile phone devices in Kenya:
- Local assemblers: All local device assemblies must upload the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) Number of each assembled device to the KRA-provided portal. This will ensure that all locally assembled devices are tax compliant.
- Importers: All mobile phone importers (sale, testing, research or any other purpose) will be required to disclose the International Mobile Equipment Identity Number in their respective import documents submitted to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). This disclosure is mandatory for the registration of the devices in the National Master Database on Tax-Compliant Devices.
- Retailers and Wholesalers: 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.
- Mobile network operators: 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 grey-listing of non-compliant devices to facilitate regularization within a prescribed period, failure to which the devices will thereafter be blacklisted.
The new requirements will only apply to all devices imported or assembled in the country from 1 November. All existing devices that will be on the mobile networks by 31 October 2024 will not be affected.
