Kenyans can breathe easy after the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) clarified that low-cost phones (including kabambe) are not being banned under the new mobile device regulations.
The clarification follows confusion sparked by new technical standards requiring all phones sold in Kenya to adopt USB Type-C charging ports. While some interpreted this as a move to phase out cheap phones, the regulator emphasized that the rules are about safety and standardization, not pricing.
According to CA, affordable devices will still be allowed in the market as long as they meet the updated technical requirements, including compatibility with USB-C charging and compliance with safety standards.
The new guidelines are part of a broader push to:
The regulator has also urged Kenyans to buy devices from licensed dealers to avoid counterfeit or non-compliant phones that may pose health and safety risks.
In essence, the message is clear:
Cheap phones are not being removed
But they must now meet higher safety and quality standards
The move signals a shift toward a more regulated and safer mobile device market — without locking out affordability.
The clarification follows confusion sparked by new technical standards requiring all phones sold in Kenya to adopt USB Type-C charging ports. While some interpreted this as a move to phase out cheap phones, the regulator emphasized that the rules are about safety and standardization, not pricing.
According to CA, affordable devices will still be allowed in the market as long as they meet the updated technical requirements, including compatibility with USB-C charging and compliance with safety standards.
The new guidelines are part of a broader push to:
- Improve consumer safety
- Ensure better network performance
- Reduce electronic waste
- Align Kenya with global tech standards
The regulator has also urged Kenyans to buy devices from licensed dealers to avoid counterfeit or non-compliant phones that may pose health and safety risks.
In essence, the message is clear:
Cheap phones are not being removed
But they must now meet higher safety and quality standards
The move signals a shift toward a more regulated and safer mobile device market — without locking out affordability.
