The Kenyan government has issued a strong warning against the sale and use of unapproved mobile phones, citing serious safety, health, and network risks for consumers across the country. The alert comes amid growing concerns about counterfeit and substandard devices entering the local market.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has urged both buyers and sellers to comply fully with national regulations. According to the regulator, unapproved phones expose users to potential harm and disrupt the country’s communications systems.
Communications Authority Flags 21 Unapproved Phone Brands
On February 10, 2026, the Communications Authority released a public notice identifying 21 mobile phone brands that lack official type approval. These devices, the authority said, do not meet Kenya’s required technical and safety standards.
As Kenya’s main regulator for the information and communications technology sector, the CA oversees telecommunications, broadcasting, cybersecurity, postal services, e-commerce, and spectrum management. Its mandate also includes safeguarding consumers from unsafe and unreliable devices.
The authority warned that continued circulation of unapproved phones undermines consumer protection efforts and weakens the integrity of national communication networks.
What Type Approval Means for Consumers
Type approval is a mandatory process that ensures all ICT equipment sold or used in Kenya meets approved local and international standards. Through this process, devices are tested for safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and network performance.
According to the CA, this testing protects consumers from health risks linked to excessive radiation exposure. It also ensures that devices do not interfere with other electronic equipment or mobile networks.
In addition, type approval helps prevent battery failures, overheating, and device malfunctions that can cause injuries or property damage.
Without this process, consumers face higher risks while using phones that may appear affordable but are unsafe in the long run.
Clear Instructions to the Public and Vendors
The Communications Authority issued direct instructions aimed at stopping the sale of non-compliant devices.
“The Authority advises the public not to buy the above non-type-approved brands of mobile phones, and vendors are strictly prohibited from selling the same,” the notice stated.
Vendors found selling unapproved devices risk enforcement action, penalties, and possible closure of their businesses. The authority emphasised that compliance is not optional.
Consumers were also advised to purchase phones only from licensed telecommunication equipment dealers. The list of approved vendors is available on the CA’s official website.
Before buying a device, consumers should confirm that the phone model appears on the authority’s approved devices register.
Health and Safety Risks of Unapproved Phones
The CA warned that phones without type approval pose serious safety risks. These devices often bypass essential testing for radiation levels, electrical safety, and electromagnetic emissions.
As a result, users may be exposed to higher-than-allowed radiation levels. Over time, this exposure could raise health concerns, especially for children and frequent users.
Unapproved phones may also contain poor-quality batteries. Such batteries are more likely to overheat, swell, or explode, putting users at risk of injury.
In addition, these devices may lack basic safety features such as surge protection and temperature regulation.
Network Interference and Service Disruptions
Beyond personal safety, unapproved phones can disrupt mobile networks. Because they do not meet technical standards, these devices may interfere with licensed communication frequencies.
This interference can lead to dropped calls, slow data speeds, and poor service quality for other users. In some cases, it may even affect emergency communication systems.
The CA stressed that protecting network integrity is critical for national security, business operations, and daily communication.
Allowing untested devices to operate on licensed networks undermines years of investment in telecommunications infrastructure.
Part of a Broader Market Cleanup
The warning forms part of the government’s wider effort to clean up Kenya’s mobile phone market. In recent years, regulators have focused on tax compliance, IMEI registration, and monitoring of imported and locally assembled devices.
Earlier measures targeted counterfeit phones and illegal imports that bypass customs controls. This latest notice goes a step further by publicly naming specific brands that fail to meet approval standards.
By doing so, the CA aims to increase transparency and empower consumers to make informed choices.
What Consumers Should Do Before Buying a Phone
The Communications Authority encouraged consumers to take simple steps before purchasing a mobile phone.
First, buyers should confirm that the vendor is licensed by the authority. Second, they should check whether the phone model is listed as type-approved on the CA website.
Consumers should also be cautious of devices sold at unusually low prices, as these are often unapproved or counterfeit.
If in doubt, buyers are advised to seek clarification from the vendor or contact the authority directly.
Enforcement and Compliance Going Forward
The CA said it will continue monitoring the market and working with other government agencies to enforce compliance. Inspections, seizures, and penalties will be applied where violations are found.
The authority reiterated that its goal is not to punish consumers, but to protect them from unsafe products and unfair trade practices.
By enforcing type approval rules, the government hopes to promote a safer, more reliable mobile phone market that benefits both consumers and legitimate businesses.
Protecting Consumers and the ICT Ecosystem
The Communications Authority concluded that public cooperation is essential to achieving these goals. When consumers avoid unapproved phones, demand for unsafe products declines.
This, in turn, encourages manufacturers and vendors to comply with regulations and invest in quality products.
Ultimately, the authority said, compliance protects public health, strengthens communication networks, and supports Kenya’s growing digital economy.