The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has banned the sale of 21 mobile phone brands that have not been type-approved, warning that the devices pose serious safety and health risks to consumers.
In a public notice signed by Director General David Mugonyi, the regulator stressed that type approval is mandatory for all ICT devices sold in Kenya to ensure compliance with safety, health, and electromagnetic compatibility standards.
“Vendors are strictly prohibited from selling these brands, and consumers are advised not to purchase them,” the notice stated.
“Verify that any mobile phone purchased has been type-approved by the Authority by checking the list of type-approved equipment available on the Authority’s website.”
21 non-type-approved mobile phone brands in Kena
- TINSIK
- REALFONE
- F+
- FONROX
- MEZ
- NEMOJO
- VUE
- BUNDY
- QQMEE
- U-FM
- CHATADA
- SUPERX
- MOMOFLY
- WR
- X.ODA
- SMBA
- Q-SEVEN
- UGBAD
- FT
- RAENO
- SWITCH
The CA urged consumers to buy mobile phones only from licensed vendors listed on its website and to confirm authenticity by dialling *#06# to retrieve the IMEI number, then sending it to 1555 via SMS or checking through the CA’s online IMEI verification portal.
The Authority warned that vendors found selling the banned brands will face regulatory action, underscoring its commitment to protecting consumers in Kenya’s fast-growing mobile market.
Dangers of using non-type-approved phones
As it warns Kenyans and vendors about the non-type-approved phones, the authority listed some of the dangers of using them.
It includes overheating, explosion, electric shock and radiation exposure.
