In defense of the widespread reports that some mobile operators are not ready to implement Mobile Number Portability (MNP) by the set date of 1st April 2011, the Communication Commission of Kenya (CCK) has come out to ensure the public that the process is on course.

MNP is a telecommunications service that enables subscribers to retain their telephone numbers when changing service providers, service types, and/or locations. The journey towards MNP dates back to 21 June 2010, when the Communication Commission of Kenya (CCK) issued M/S Porting Access (K) Ltd with a license for provision of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) services in the country.

In December 2010, Kenyans witnessed the signing of a service agreement by the four mobile operators in the country - Airtel, Safaricom, Orange and Yu – with  M/s Porting Access Kenya Ltd for the implementation of MNP. According to the agreement, there will be a maximum charge of not exceeding Kshs. 173 (exclusive of VAT) for each number port and a Service Level Agreement. The agreement also provides for the establishment of an MNP working group consisting of representatives from all operators. The MNP working group will collectively implement and manage the provision of porting services.

MNP was set to come into effect on 1 April 2011, three months behind the earlier scheduled date of December 31, 2010. Recent reports in the media indicated that some mobile operators are not ready to implement Mobile Number Portability (MNP) by the set date of 1st April 2011.

In view this; the Commission has come out in defense of their position. In a statement issued by CCK Director General, Charles Njoroge, the Commission states that they have been working closely with the mobile operators and the licensed porting service provider (i.e. M/s Porting Access Kenya) to ensure that the implementation process is on course.  According to their latest signed reports of the technical meetings, all operators are ready to commence testing their MNP systems this week.

The Commission states that mobile operators and M/s Porting Access Kenya are committed to and are co-operation in implementing the service. Although the mobile operators may not be exactly at the same level of preparedness, the Commission is yet to receive any formal notification suggesting inability to implement MNP by the agreed date of 1 April 2011 from any of the licensed mobile service providers.

The Commission also states that they shall continue monitoring progress in respect to implementation of MNP and inform the public accordingly.