- 46 views
The High Court of Kenya has prolonged the suspension of a government directive mandating the registration of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers for all mobile devices entering the country.
Justice Chacha Mwita issued the order on March 21, extending an existing injunction for four months, effectively delaying the implementation of the controversial measure until a final ruling. The directive, initiated by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), requires individuals to register their devices' IMEI numbers upon entry into Kenya. It also mandates mobile operators to restrict network access to unregistered devices.
''On 21 March 2025, the Katiba Institute team was before Justice Chacha Mwita to highlight submissions in HCCRPET/647/2024, challenging the publication of notice by the Communications Authority of Kenya requiring registration of IMEI numbers at the point of phone entry into the country and mobile phone operators to only connect devices whose IMEI numbers have been registered and submitted to the CA. The Court extended interim orders till judgment is delivered on 4 July 2024,'' Katiba Institute shared in a statement
The government has stated the directive aims to combat counterfeit mobile devices and enhance national security. The Katiba Institute, a Kenyan constitutional advocacy group, challenged the directive in late 2024, arguing it infringes on individual privacy rights. The group raises concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the management and security of the proposed IMEI database, including questions about data control, access, and safeguards.
They contended the directive could enable unwarranted government surveillance due to the ability of IMEI tracking to locate devices within a 100-meter radius and access communication records. This marks the second extension of interim orders blocking the directive. An initial order in December 2024 halted the rollout until February 2025, but delays in government filings prompted further judicial intervention. The case is now scheduled for judgment on July 4, 2025.
''Without proper safeguards, it appears the government is usurping powers it does not have to establish a mass surveillance system,'' Katiba Institute’s petition read in part.
Opponents of the directive assert it lacks proportionate safeguards and represents a broader trend of expanding surveillance powers. They argue that without clear parameters governing data use and protection, the directive could create a centralized system capable of unprecedented state control.