The Kenyan High Court has extended interim orders suspending public notices that would have required individuals entering Kenya to declare the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of their mobile devices. The notices, originally issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), will remain suspended following a ruling by Justice Chacha Mwita on December 15, 2024.
The IMEI declaration requirement marks the latest in a series of digital identity and device registration initiatives in Kenya. It follows the country’s broader push toward digital transformation, including the recent launch of the Maisha Number digital ID system, which aims to modernize citizen identification and government services.
The requirement was implemented as part of broader security measures to disrupt funding sources for al-Shabab. The initiative complements other recent security-focused programs, including Safaricom’s implementation of biometric SIM card registration for device transfers, which was designed to prevent fraud and enhance mobile security.
The directive has faced significant challenges and opposition from various stakeholders who raised concerns about its practicality and potential risks. Such concerns mirror similar challenges faced during the implementation of other digital identity initiatives in Kenya, where balancing security requirements with practical implementation has proven complex.
The suspension occurs amid a complex security situation in Kenya, where some measures intended to enhance public safety have had unintended consequences. For instance, shopkeepers have reported concerns about retaliatory attacks related to security equipment installations, highlighting the delicate balance between security measures and public safety. The situation reflects broader challenges in implementing digital security measures, as previously observed during the country’s digital ID pilot programs.
The court’s decision reflects ongoing deliberations about the effectiveness and implementation of mobile device tracking systems in Kenya’s security framework. The matter continues to be subject to legal review, with various stakeholders participating in the ongoing proceedings. The development occurs as Kenya continues to position itself as a leader in digital transformation in East Africa, while carefully considering privacy and implementation challenges.
Sources: Capital FM, AllAfrica, Capital FM
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