This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
On November 28, 2019, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) proposed new rules to guide SIM card sales, which could have far-reaching consequences for thousands of hawkers.
The new regulations aim to curb SIM card fraud by requiring telcos to sell cards in formal retail outlets, rather than through hawkers. This move is part of the CA's efforts to tighten the noose on fraudsters.
According to the proposed guidelines, telcos and registration agents will be required to sell and register SIM cards only in formal retail outlets, even during promotions. The CA has also recommended jailing offenders for up to six months or imposing a fine of KSh 300,000 if found guilty.
Thousands of SIM card hawkers could be rendered jobless if the new rules are approved. The CA has cited the move by telcos to employ hawkers to sell SIM cards as a contributing factor to the many cases of SIM card fraud across the country.
On October 6, 2019, five people believed to be behind a telecommunication fraud syndicate were arrested in Kiambu county with over 40,000 SIM cards, three laptops, and a list of people's names with their ID numbers.
Reports by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) revealed that four of the suspects were arrested on the fifth floor of Jeremy Apartments, while the fifth suspect was arrested at Kwa Kairu area. The suspects had both Safaricom and Airtel SIM cards.
