Kenya’s communication regulator, Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), on Tuesday launched a public awareness campaign focused on ensuring Kenyans are educated on the risks associated with using counterfeit mobile phones — before they are switched off later this year.
The campaign dubbed ‘Pata Ukweli wa Mtambo’ (Get the truth about the gadget) will inform the phone users on the steps they should take to establish whether their phones are genuine.
CCK says it intends to begin phasing out counterfeit phones from September 30, 2012.
Francis Wangusi, Ag. Director General CCK, said the industry regulator is mandated by law to protect consumers of communications services in consultation with representatives from Kenya’s four mobile operators, phone manufacturers and concerned government agencies.
Speaking at the launch, ministry of information and communication Permanent Secretary Dr. Bitange Ndemo said: “In the era of mobile banking, using counterfeits manufactured without due consideration to the recognised security standards may expose kenya’s mobile money systems and the financial institutions to unnecessary risks.”
He added that the Government cannot allow that to happen and has decided to have all unregistered SIM cards and counterfeit handsets phased out.
CCK statistics show that close to 3 million mobile phones used in Kenya are counterfeit.
