The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
The High Court is expected to deliver its verdict in a case contesting the government’s directive for Kenyans to register the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of their mobile phones.
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Justice Chacha Mwita will issue the ruling following a legal challenge by the Katiba Institute, which took issue with public notices issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) towards the end of 2024.
The notices instructed mobile phone users and importers to submit their device IMEI numbers — unique identifiers used to track mobile devices — as part of efforts to boost tax compliance and curb the use of counterfeit phones.
However, the Katiba Institute claims the directive constitutes unconstitutional surveillance, violates privacy rights, and lacks a proper legal framework.
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In December 2024, the court suspended the enforcement of the directive through temporary orders pending the case’s outcome.
The judgment, expected today, is likely to provide clarity on the extent of government surveillance powers and personal data protection.
