KRA Drops IMEI Number Requirement For Tourists Entering Kenya After CS Miano Intervenes
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) resolved to shelve plans to impose the policy following concerns raised by the public.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Tourists entering Kenya will not have to declare their mobile phones' International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers upon arrival, according to Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano.
In a statement on Friday, November 8, she revealed that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) resolved to shelve plans to impose the policy following concerns raised by the public.
KRA initially announced that the new directive, aimed at combating the use of unregistered devices that bypass tax and safety regulations, would take effect on January 1, 2025, and would target all passengers entering the country.
“KRA has announced that tourists will NOT be required to declare their gadgets’ IMEI numbers upon arrival. Kenya’s strategic location as the gateway to East Africa positions it as a regional hub for tourism and business and must therefore remain easily accessible,” Miano said.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano having a phone conversation while in London, England on November 7, 2024. /REBECCA MIANO
The decision followed consultative discussions with the relevant authorities to chart a suitable way forward.
"After listening to concerns raised by the tourism sector regarding the requirement for visitors to declare their gadgets' IMEI numbers upon arrival, I have actively engaged with the relevant authorities to find a way forward," Miano previously revealed on Thursday, November 7, adding "Ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for all who visit Magical Kenya remains our priority."
Under the directive, importers and assemblers will be compelled to submit detailed device information, including model descriptions, quantities, and IMEI numbers, through KRA’s Customs portal.
Compliance will also require permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). KRA urged importers to familiarize themselves with these regulations to avoid potential non-compliance.
The government had previously teased the idea of placing tourists entering Kenya on a 'greylist' to grant them a grace period to comply with the new policy. This was announced by Communications Authority's Director General David Mugonyi during a summon by the National Assembly's Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation.
The Committee demanded clarity on the proposed system's implications for privacy, data protection, and its enforcement mechanisms, especially given concerns about personal data potentially falling into the wrong hands.
“The issue isn’t with registering IMEIs. What exactly are we allowing KRA to access on an individual’s phone under the guise of data protection?” asked Kiarie, who further highlighted the potential risk that Kenyans could avoid online transactions for fear of increased surveillance.
“What can we say to Kenyans who may flee from digital transactions to avoid scrutiny? We must ensure their data remains protected,” he demanded.
Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto raised critical questions about the CA's ability to monitor and enforce compliance across all communication devices entering the country so that Kenya doesn't have a repeat of the World coin.
“What are your enforcement capabilities when it comes to all communication devices being imported?” he asked, emphasizing the need for strong regulatory mechanisms to ensure that non-compliant devices are identified and addressed appropriately.
In response, Mugonyi explained that the CA had received a presidential directive to implement the system, which focuses solely on device integrity and tax compliance rather than individual transaction monitoring.
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