21 Mobile Phone Brands Marked as Unsafe
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has raised concerns about 21 mobile phone brands that haven’t been approved for safety, deeming them unsafe for public use.
In a notice released on Tuesday, February 10, CA Director General David Mugonyi highlighted the growing presence of these non-type-approved phones in the market.
Mugonyi cautioned the public that using these unapproved devices could pose serious health risks.
“The Authority, through a Type Approval process, ensures that all ICT devices meet national and international safety, health, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards. This helps protect consumers from dangerous products, reduces health risks, and prevents interference with other electronic devices.
“Through ongoing market surveillance, the Authority has observed a surge in Non-Type Approved mobile phones, which present safety and health risks to users,” the statement noted in part.
The list of 21 mobile brands that have been flagged includes: Tinsik, Realfone, F+, Fonrox, Mez, Nemojo, Vue, Bundy, Qqmee, U-Fm, and Chatada.
Other brands on the radar are: Superx, Momofly, Wr, X.Oda, Smba, Q-Seven, Ugbad, Ft, Raeno, and Switch.
Additionally, the regulator has made it clear that vendors are not allowed to sell these 21 flagged brands to the public.
“The authority strongly advises the public against purchasing these non-type-approved mobile phone brands, and vendors are strictly forbidden from selling them,” Mugonyi emphasized.
The CA Director General also encouraged Kenyans to buy mobile phones exclusively from licensed telecommunication equipment vendors listed on the CA website.
Mugonyi further urged everyone to always check if a device has been type-approved before making a purchase.
Mugonyi emphasized the importance of ensuring that any mobile phone purchased has been type-approved by the Authority. You can easily verify this by checking the list of approved devices on the Authority’s website at: https://www.ca.go.ke/licensee-register.
Kenyans also have a simple way to confirm the authenticity of their mobile phones. Just dial *#06# to get the IMEI number, then send that 15-digit code via SMS to 1555, or use the IMEI checker available on the Authority’s website, all at no cost.
This announcement follows the recent introduction of new requirements for mobile device assemblers, importers, retailers, wholesalers, and mobile network operators by the CA.
In a public notice released on Wednesday, October 22, the CA stated that all local assemblers must upload the IMEI number of each device they assemble to the portal provided by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
The regulatory agency has announced that all importers will need to include IMEI numbers in the import documents they submit to KRA.
On top of that, CA emphasized that both retailers and wholesalers must make sure they only sell or distribute mobile devices that comply with tax regulations.
“Retailers and wholesalers of mobile devices must ensure that they only retail or distribute mobile devices that are tax-compliant. The Authority will provide a way for retailers and end-users to verify the tax compliance status of mobile devices before making a purchase,” the regulatory body stated.
21 Mobile Phone Brands Marked as Unsafe
