DNK International The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has strengthened consumer protection measures governing the deactivation and recycling of inactive mobile phone numbers.
CA Director General David Mugonyi appeared before the National Assembly Public Petitions Committee, where he addressed concerns surrounding the deactivation of inactive mobile numbers and the subsequent recycling of those numbers.
Under safeguards introduced in 2026, mobile network operators are required to notify subscribers before deactivating their numbers.
Operators are also expected to issue public notices and provide subscribers with a USSD mechanism through which they can check the status of their numbers.
The safeguards further require operators to protect personal information associated with numbers that are recycled and assigned to new subscribers.
Subscribers who are unable to use their mobile numbers for extended periods may also apply for whitelisting, subject to applicable requirements.
The measures are intended to strengthen consumer protection while ensuring that Kenya’s mobile numbering resources are managed responsibly.
The Communications Authority said it will continue monitoring the implementation of the safeguards to ensure compliance by operators and protect subscribers from potential risks associated with the deactivation and recycling of mobile numbers.
