What Every Kenyan With A Registered SIM Card Must Know After Latest CA Report

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued fresh consumer protection alerts following the release of its latest Consumer Complaints Report for the first quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year.

With over 88 million active SIM subscriptions currently operating in Kenya, the regulator is warning citizens to take immediate steps to safeguard their registered lines.

According to the newly published CA report, fraudulent SIM swapping and identity theft have emerged as major concerns affecting digital financial users.

Between July and September 2026, the authority logged 57 escalated complaints involving digital financial services and mobile money.

Additionally, the regulator recorded 47 cases tied directly to fraud and scams, alongside 49 complaints involving cybercrime and the criminal misuse of ICT infrastructure.

In response, the CA confirmed it is tightening oversight over mobile network operators to enforce stricter customer authentication during SIM replacements.

Under national telecommunications regulations, owners of registered lines risk prosecution if their numbers are used to commit crimes such as extortion, scams, or fraud.

The regulator strongly cautioned citizens against purchasing pre-registered SIM cards from unauthorized street hawkers without providing proper identification.

They must also notify their mobile service provider promptly to block the compromised line and prevent criminals from accessing linked bank or mobile money accounts.

Operators are required to give a three-month notice using alternative contact details on file before deactivating and recycling numbers that have been dormant for over three consecutive months.

Furthermore, the CA report noted that 479 unresolved consumer complaints were escalated to the regulator during the quarter, with 44 relating to disputed mobile data bundle depletion.

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