Kenya kicks-off SIM registration exercise

This follows a presidential directive issued in July last year. The move was occasioned by widespread crime being perpetrated through mobile phone lines, and is expected to act as a deterrent, while making the work of investigation agencies easier.

No fee applicable

Under the new rules, users are required to give their postal and physical address, date of birth and alternative phone numbers, besides their names and identity cards. The directive also applies to those buying new SIM cards. Minors with SIM cards will be required to be accompanied by an adult, who will register as the owner of the card and the minor as the user. Subscribers are not required to pay any cash during the process.

"We have put in place all the necessary measures to ensure a smooth process. Besides our retail centres, dealers and M-PESA agents have also been mobilised and sensitised to assist in this important process. They can also download the registration form from our website www.safaricom.co.ke or portal www.safaricom.com, print it out and present the completed form at any of our registration centres," says Safaricom CEO, Michael Joseph.

M-PESA, PostPay customers already registered

However, Safaricom's M-PESA and PostPay customers will not be required to register their lines again as the two services already require one's personal details to be registered when signing a contract with Safaricom under the Know Your Customer policy. With M-PESA commanding about 10 million subscribers, this announcement is expected to be a major reprieve for the firm's customers. Out of a total subscriber base of over 15 million, only about five million are required to register.