The Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya, Mr Francis Wangusi has refuted claims that CA is implementing a system to monitor and access private data of mobile phone users. He was responding to claims in the local press and online media concerning the same.
While addressing the press in Nairobi, Mr Wangusi said that the claims were not true and that their mandate is to protect consumers, who are the device users, and they won’t target their personal information. He added that the purpose of the Device Management System is to curb the importation of illegal devices and those that don’t meet the standards of the Communications Authority. “We use Kshs 200 million to acquire the Device Management System for tracking counterfeit phones,” said Wangusi.
He added that the device doesn’t allow them to access personal details, “We do not have the luxury of snooping,” he said, terming the reports as a white lie. According to the Director General Wangusi, the constitution allows them to independently protect ICT services.
Concerning the device, he said the Management system will help to nab blacklisted devices and to stop them from accessing information. The Director General said that Kenyans shouldn’t be misled by false information.
He expressed his disappointment with the way information about the Device Management System was relayed, indicating that the communication was marred and rushed, given that they hadn’t planned to communicate yet.