SIM card registration: Gov't to consult network operators on disconnecting unregistered users

The Communications Authority of Kenya Director General Ezra Chiloba says the Authority will consult mobile network operators on the possibility of extending the SIM card registration exercise to give customers an opportunity to validate respective details of registration.

Speaking on Thursday at Masol area in West Pokot County after launching the USF Voice infrastructure connectivity project, Chiloba reiterated the ban on hawking of SIM cards by unregistered dealers and said the authority's aim is to deal with fraudsters who operate unregistered sim cards. He was accompanied by ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru. 

“We will have a meeting this evening to deliberate ways in which we can help citizens register. The sim cards might be switched off tomorrow but we will listen to the operators because it was their obligation to re-register the sim cards afresh and ensure that persons seeking to do so submit all of the required details as mandated by law,” said Chiloba.

On his part ICT CS Joe Mucheru questioned why Kenyans are now calling for an extension on the set deadline despite the fact that the sim card re-registration directive was made two years ago.

“This directive was given two years ago not now. Why is it that people now want the deadline to be extended? It is the same challenges we had during voter registration. This registration will ensure that we will have more safety and security for our citizens,” he said.

Last week, Chiloba alluded that not all Kenyans have to re-register their SIM cards ahead of the April 15, deadline.

According to Chiloba, those targeted are people with SIM cards that haven’t been registered; and those that are registered using other people’s details.

He cited a situation where parents and guardians register SIM cards in their name for use by minors.

The clarification came as Kenyans took to Twitter throughout the week to express their displeasure at the move requiring re-registration.