CS Mucheru calls for tough enforcement of SIM Registration in an intensified fight against the misuse of mobile phones and other ICT infrastructure within EAC.
The fight against mobile phones and other ICT infrastructure abuse and misuse intensifies as Kenya’s ICT Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Joe Mucheru, calls for tough measures on enforcement of SIM card registration within the East African Community (EAC).1
This call is part of the greater efforts to promote safe use of ICT infrastructure within EAC and to wade off criminals who are increasingly misusing ICT infrastructure, including unregistered SIM Cards to perpetrate crimes, including terrorism and kidnaps.
Speaking during the 25th East African Communications Organization (EACO) Assemblies in Nairobi, Mr.Mucheru called on Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to strictly adhere to the SIM card registration regulations so as to help law enforcement agencies within the region to track down criminals.
Mr. Mucheru’s concerns bolster Kenya’s Telecoms Regulator, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) recent directions to the MNOs to deactivate all unregistered or partially unregistered SIM cards within their networks.
The CA also recently conducted a crackdown on SIM cards hawkers. At least sixty-two (62) SIM Card hawkers were apprehended and charged.
The combined efforts of the Ministry of ICT and the CA are aimed at positioning Kenya and the East Africa as a single investment market, and catalyzing the realization of our region’s ultimate goal of political and monetary integration, while eliminating the challenges posed by cybercrime.
Related story: Mobile Subscribers Providing False Information in SIM Card Registration Risk Six Months in Jail2
1 http://ca.go.ke/index.php/what-we-do/94-news/476-mucheru-calls-for-tough-action-on-sim-registration-within-eac
2 http://ca.go.ke/index.php/what-we-do/94-news/474-mobile-subscribers-providing-false-information-in-sim-card-registration-risks-six-months-in-jail