Solution For Kenyans Whose SIM Cards Will Be Switched Off Today

As of August 30, 2022, 15 million mobile subscribers had not registered their SIM cards.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Oct 14, 2022 - 12:06 Updated: Oct 15, 2022 - 10:06
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Solution For Kenyans Whose SIM Cards Will Be Switched Off Today
SIM cards. /FILE

UPDATE: The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has given Kenyans yet to register their SIM cards an ultimatum of 11.59 pm on Saturday, October 15 to ensure they register or be switched off afterwards.

“Here's a friendly reminder. Why wait until your line is deactivated on Saturday at midnight, October 15? 

"You have until 2359hrs today to ensure your SIM card registration details are updated. Protect yourself and others by updating your details today," read the statement from CA.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has offered a way out for Kenyans whose SIM cards will have been switched off after the deadline on Saturday, October 15, 2022.

Liston Kirui the Assistant Director of Telecoms Licensing and Compliance at CA, noted that Kenyans will still be able to re-register their lines but the process will be much tougher.

Kirui noted that the process of reactivating a deactivated SIM card will feature more steps as he noted that mobile network operators will still continue with the registration process. However, the CA has not yet issued guidelines on registration in the event of tomorrow's shutdown.

Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) headquarters in Nairobi. /FILE

“SIM registration is a continuous process. Operators are not going to stop the exercise because of the 15th October deadline. We expect them to continue with the process.

“After the 15th October deadline, subscribers whose lines will have been deactivated will still have an opportunity to re-register. Of course, they will have more to do after being deactivated,” he said in a statement shared by the regulator.

CA had directed mobile service providers to ensure that the personal details of their subscribers were fully updated by April 15 under Kenya Information and Regulations 2015.

However, the process was extended by six months after a nationwide uproar stemmed over doubts about the process which required users to provide their biometric data, such as facial features and fingerprints as well as national identification details or passport numbers.

Moreover, the telcos were under fire over the procedure to register, which had required them to visit their shops in person, forcing them to create online platforms for their subscribers to seamlessly register from the comfort of their homes.

As of August 30, 2022, 15 million mobile subscribers had not registered their SIM cards. CA estimated that Kenya’s SIM subscriptions stood at 64.67 million.

How To Verify

CA and telecommunication companies have provided a USSD shortcode that can be used to verify details ahead of the deadline. Kenyans can verify their registration details across all telecommunication networks by dialling *106#

Upon dialling the code, a message prompt will appear on the screen, with options provided for checking your registration status, which can be done with option 1.

A message will then be sent to your phone after a few seconds informing you whether you are registered or not, with the numbers registered under your ID.

You are advised to visit your nearest telecommunication shop or office for registration if your details are missing. However, an option of self-registration is also provided whereby you will be provided with a link that directs you to the registration portal.

For this exercise, all you just need is your phone number and the front and back image of your National ID.

Apart from checking the registration status, one can use the USSD code to check reported numbers, report unknown numbers registered under their names or cancel a reported number. 

Message prompt to check SIM card registration status. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRALTEAKE

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