This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
On May 20, 2020, the Communications Authority of Kenya unveiled a new service to combat counterfeit mobile devices in the country.
The two-step verification process, which is free of charge, allows users to identify whether their phone is genuine or not by dialing #06# to get the International Mobile Equipment Identifier number, commonly known as IMEI.
Users will then send the IMEI number as a text message to short code 1555 to receive details of the mobile phone, including the make and model.
According to the Communications Authority, the response from the Authority will display the details of the mobile phone, enabling users to identify whether it matches with the phone at hand.
Acting Director General of the Communications Authority, Mercy Wanjau, advised members of the public to use the service in detecting counterfeit devices, which pose a threat to personal and national security.
"Members of the public are advised that counterfeit mobile phone devices provide poor quality of service and experience, and pose a major threat to personal health and national security. Such cases should be reported to the Authority," Wanjau stated.
