The Communications Authority in Kenya has urged all Kenyans to register their lines again so that all users’ information will be updated in the existing databases. Since then Safaricom has launched a system to help customers’ personal information i.e Natioal ID and passport numbers are not used in scamming other people in the country, or for fraudulent activities.
The Communications Authority (CA) has set a cash penalty for Kenyans who will not register their SIM cards with their respective telecommunication service provider. The Director-General of CA, Ezra Chiloba has clarified that the registration is aimed at combating cybercrime and fraud in the digital space. The authorities have promised after the registration period is over, any Kenyan who will be found with an unregistered SIM Card will be imposed a fine of Ksh300,000 or serve a jail term of six months or both.
Chiloba also, added that “There will be no extension to those still dragging their feet should wake up to the reality and register with their respective telecommunication service providers or face permanent deactivation”. The CA has urged all citizens to do this before the end of April.
This new strategy is here for obvious reasons. Scams carried out in Kenya using SIM cards are not something new in Kenya. The numbers registered using the SIM Cards are used in illegal activities and people end up losing a lot of money.
