CA to Enforce New Technical Standards for Mobile Devices by 2026

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has announced a comprehensive rollout of new technical and safety specifications for all mobile cellular devices sold or used within the country. The directive, which forms part of a broader strategy to streamline the telecommunications sector, mandates that every device must meet specific type approval requirements by 2026.

According to the regulator, the move is designed to ensure that all devices entering the Kenyan market adhere to international safety standards. This intervention comes at a time when the market has seen an influx of diverse handsets, some of which may not meet the requisite radiation or connectivity benchmarks established by global bodies.

The CA, led by Director General David Mugonyi, has emphasized that the new rules will apply to importers, distributors, and individual users. Under the updated framework, any device that fails to obtain the necessary type approval will be restricted from accessing local telecommunications networks. This enforcement mechanism is intended to curb the proliferation of counterfeit or substandard gadgets.

For the construction and infrastructure sectors, which increasingly rely on mobile technology for site management and remote coordination, these standards provide a layer of reliability. Ensuring that hardware used in the field meets national safety codes is critical for long-term operational stability.

The regulator noted that the 2026 deadline provides a transition period for stakeholders to align their inventories with the new guidelines. Retailers are expected to verify that their stock is compliant before the cutoff date, while manufacturers must submit their latest models for rigorous testing by the CA’s technical teams.

Beyond safety, the specifications cover interoperability, ensuring that mobile devices can function efficiently across various network frequencies provided by Kenyan telcos. This technical alignment is expected to improve the overall quality of service for mobile users, reducing dropped calls and data connectivity issues.

Industry analysts suggest that the tightening of these standards may lead to a more structured electronics market. By requiring formal certification, the CA is effectively creating a database of approved hardware, making it easier to track the lifecycle of devices and manage electronic waste in the future.

The Communications Authority has invited stakeholders to review the detailed technical documents, which outline the specific hardware requirements for different categories of cellular devices. Failure to comply with these directives after the implementation period will result in legal penalties and the potential blacklisting of non-compliant hardware from the national grid.

As the 2026 deadline approaches, the CA plans to conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public on how to verify if a device is genuine. The regulator maintains that these steps are necessary to protect Kenyan consumers from the health and security risks associated with unverified mobile technology.