NAIROBI, Kenya, October 24 — From January 2025, mobile devices imported or assembled in Kenya from November 1, 2024, will need to be tax-compliant to connect to mobile networks, according to a notice released by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
CA Director General David Mugonyi stated that mobile network operators will only connect devices after verifying their tax compliance status through a whitelist database provided by the authority.
To support this process, Mugonyi explained that operators will be required to identify and provide a “gray list” of noncompliant devices within a given timeframe, after which those devices will be blacklisted from network access.
Retailers and wholesalers will also be mandated to ensure that all mobile devices they sell or distribute are tax-compliant and verified by the CAK.
“Retailers and wholesalers must ensure that they only sell or distribute mobile devices that are tax compliant. The authority will provide a means to verify the compliance status of devices before they are purchased by retailers or end users,” Mugonyi noted.
Importers of mobile devices will be required to include the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers in their import documentation, which the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will use to register the devices in the National Master Database for tax-compliant devices.
For locally assembled devices, manufacturers must ensure that each device’s IMEI number is synced to the KRA portal to confirm tax compliance.
Mugonyi emphasized that these measures are intended to enhance the integrity and tax compliance of mobile devices in Kenya.
“The new requirements will apply only to devices imported or assembled from November 1, 2024. Devices already connected to the mobile network by October 31, 2024, will not be affected,” he clarified.
