Mobile Network Operators (MNO) have up to three months to review and verify SIM cards registration details of their subscribers. Communications Authority of Kenya managing director Francis Wangusi said this development has been preceded by the increasing reports of SIM cards hawking, which is a contravention of the law. He issued the directive during the release of a report on the forensic audit on registration of SIM cards carried out by the authority.
In the report the authority cited cases of non-conformities in the cards registration as required by the SIM card registration regulations, especially in cases where passports were used as a form of identification. It outlined that these anomalies are majorly attributed by a number of agents not requesting for identification documents at the point of purchase of the cards by new subscribers.
“In most cases, a dangerous trend was noted where the MNO databases that had records which appeared to have been populated from other secondary sources. Other SIM cards were found to have multiple registrations with different identity details, with potential use for criminal purposes. On overall, the audit showed that the data in the subscriber databases of the MNOs was incomplete and inaccurate, pointing to the need for a verification system to help enhance authenticity of the data,” said Wangusi. According to the released audit, the trend noted jeopardizes the security of citizens in the country.
Wangusi further reminded Kenyans on importance of adhering to SIM card registration regulations as means of ensuring security is not at stake. “Hawking SIM cards is an offence that attracts a fine of up to Kshs 500,000 or 12 months imprisonment or both. In addition, subscribers must appear in person and provide correct information. Providing incorrect information is an offence that attracts a fine Kshs 100,000 or imprisonment for six (6) months or both.”