• Kenya warns against 21 uncertified mobile phone brands

• Devices lack mandatory Type Approval safety certification

• Regulator cites health risks and network interference concerns

Kenya's Communications Authority (CA) has warned consumers against using 21 mobile phone brands that do not meet national safety standards. The regulator said in a statement published on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, that the devices could pose health and safety risks to users.

The authority said the phones lack the mandatory "Type Approval" certification required for all telecommunications equipment sold in the country. The process verifies that devices comply with technical and health standards, including electromagnetic emissions, network compatibility and component safety.

"Through market surveillance, the Authority has observed an influx of non-type approved mobile phones which pose a safety and health risk of the users," the statement said.

The announcement comes as adoption of telecommunications services accelerates in Kenya. According to CA data, 75 million phones were connected to Kenyan mobile networks in the third quarter of 2025, up from 67.7 million in the same period in 2024, a rise of about 10.8%.

Beyond individual risks, the regulator noted that uncertified phones can degrade network quality by generating interference.

Adoni Conrad Quenum