The paralysed counterfeit phones that Kenya’s mobile network operators switched off late last month are being reprogrammed in parts of the country’s capital Nairobi to fit the existing operable standards, according to reports.
It has been reported that mobile developers are changing the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of the already deactivated handsets for a small fee.
The Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), Kenya’s communications regulatory body which initiated the switch-off operation has now issued an alert. The commission’s director general, Dr Francis Wangusi said that his team is aware of the operation and a system has been set up to deal with conformity and interoperability.
“The system is being used to ensure end-user devices and ICT equipment entering into Kenyan Market is safe and can interwork with existing public networks,” he said at the official opening of the 29th Service Development Group meeting.
Reprogramming of deactivated handsets, especially changing the IMEI, is against the law. Additionally it requires advanced and professional equipment to handle, according to CCK.
A number of mobile phone users in Kenya have complained of inconveniences caused by the exercise that saw over 1.4 million users lose access to their handsets.
Security concerns, health risks, illegal importation and network congestion are among some of the reasons cited for the switch-off exercise. According to the Ministry of Information and Communications, the entire operation was in line with the government’s policy to get rid of all counterfeits.
