Kenyan mobile phone subscribers have until 30th July to comply with the new rules set by the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) requiring them to register their SIM cards with the operators or have them deactivated. CCK Director General Charles Njoroge said the subscribers will have to give their personal information which will include names, physical address and Date of Birth. The information will, however, remain confidential.
The new regulations target about 20 million subscribers. Njoroge said the process which started last year has seen about 50 to 60 per cent subscribers getting registered. Information and Communications Permanent Secretary Bitange Ndemo emphasized that those acquiring new SIM cards will be asked for their personal information including place of work.

Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Michael Joseph said the company has so far registered more than 10 million subscribers, thanks to the mobile money transfer service Mpesa, which provides for mandatory registration of personal information of every user.

Zain Kenya Managing Director Rene Meza said his company had registered over 40 per cent while Telkom Orange and Essar Telecoms Kenya are still setting up a mechanism to start the registration process. The operators requested the government to allow them more time to educate the consumers on the process.