Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA) has cautioned consumers against using 21 mobile phone brands that fail to meet national safety and technical standards. The warning, issued on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, comes after market surveillance revealed an influx of non-certified devices.
The authority explained that these phones lack the mandatory “Type Approval” certification, which ensures compliance with technical and health standards, including electromagnetic emissions, network compatibility, and component safety.
“Through market surveillance, the Authority has observed an influx of non-type approved mobile phones which pose a safety and health risk to the users,” the CA statement said.
The regulator also noted that uncertified phones could interfere with network performance, affecting service quality for all users.
This announcement coincides with rapid growth in mobile adoption in Kenya, with CA data showing 75 million phones connected to mobile networks in Q3 2025, up from 67.7 million in the same period in 2024, representing a 10.8% increase.
Consumers are advised to verify device certification before purchase and avoid using phones that have not received the CA’s Type Approval.
