Kenya switches off counterfeit phones

The Communications Commission of Kenya has switched off more than a million counterfeit phones countrywide. The stringent measure by the regulator is seen in a bid to counter the use of uncertified mobile phones that has infiltrated the communications networks.

Many Kenyans rushed to replace their handsets with original one to beat the one month window period that had been given by the regulator.

In addition the regulator said the switch off will help curb mobile phone related crimes, as well stop illegal trade in unregistered handsets. The switch being carried in conjunction with the local mobile phone service providers will target handsets that do not have an International Mobile Equipment Identity commonly known as IMEI used to identify valid devices.

Kenya has one the most flourishing mobile telephony industries in Africa and has mainly four service providers. Quarterly data from the commission of Kenya reveal the mobile telephony market segment as at 31st December 2011 had 28.08 million mobile subscriptions grew by 4 percent to 29.2 million mobile subscriptions by 31st March 2012.

Though the providers welcomed the switch off that also targets unregistered Sim cards they claimed it has a negative impact on their business.

"Many Kenyans opt for the handsets because they are cheap almost twice and sometimes even thrice cheaper than the genuine brands. Service providers however believe that, this move by the Communications Commissions of Kenya is short lived unless the importation of fake phones is controlled.

Hay aTanzania na sisi tujiandae na simu za whuuu whaaa!!