Avoid Disconnection: Here is all you need to know about ongoing SIM registration

With just 8 days remaining to the SIM registration deadline set for April 15, Kenyans are scrambling to meet the requirement that, if not adhered to, will lead to the permanent switching off of thousands of Safaricom, Telkom and Airtel lines.

According to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the registration is intended to decrease cases of digital fraud and cybercrime that have been commonplace in the local telecommunications sector. As you rush to meet the deadline, here are a few things you need to know about the mandatory exercise.

How do I know that I need to update my details? 

You can visit any Safaricom, Airtel or Telkom official shop or agent business to confirm the status of your sim cards. Your preferred service provider will also send text notifications to alert you if you are yet to register your sim cards

What details are required to update my sim card? 

When you visit the various registration points, please remember to carry your original national ID card. A passport size picture of you will also be taken at the registration points, after which you will sign a form to confirm that you have registered your lines

How do I update my line if I used a different registration document other than my ID to procure a sim card?

Other forms of identification documents such as military and alien IDs and passports can also be used to update your lines as long as you remember to carry them when you go for registration.

How do I update my line if I used someone else’s credentials to register my sim card?

In such an event you will be required to visit the registration point with the person whose details you used to first obtain the sim card. They will then transfer sim ownership to you upon which you can continue with the registration update exercise.

How can I confirm that my line is registered under my ID

You can use the USSD code *106# to check the status of all sim cards that you have procured. Even if you confirm that a sim card is indeed registered under your name you will still be required to visit the registration points to submit the other required documents.  

How long does the sim registration exercise process take

The process takes as a little over three minutes to complete. The registration officer will ask for your original ID, scan it and take a photo of you. Your signature will also be documented to complete the process after your details are verified. All required details will only be captured once. If the registration officer documents the wrong details, he will receive a prompt that will instruct him to retake the details.

How can I know that my details are okay?

Once details are submitted and reviewed the customer will receive a text message informing them on the status of their lines within a period of 4 weeks.

You will need to contact your telco’s customer care for further assistance.