The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has officially banned 21 mobile phone brands from being sold or used in the country. The move, announced in February 2026, aims to protect consumers from unsafe devices and ensure the integrity of the nation’s telecommunications networks.
According to the CA, the affected brands failed to meet mandatory type-approval standards, which are required to confirm that mobile phones comply with health, safety, and technical regulations. Phones that do not undergo this process may expose users to health risks, such as unchecked radiation levels, or interfere with licensed network operations, causing service disruptions.
The 21 banned brands include: TINSIK, REALFONE, F+, FONROX, MEZ, NEMOJO, VUE, BUNDY, QQMEE, U-FM, CHATADA, SUPERX, MOMOFLY, WR, X.ODA, SMBA, Q-SEVEN, UGBAD, FT, RAENO, and SWITCH.
The CA has instructed all retailers and vendors to immediately stop selling these devices. Consumers are also advised not to buy or continue using them. Enforcement actions may be taken against those who fail to comply.
To avoid buying illegal devices, the CA recommends checking that phones are type-approved. Consumers can also verify approval by sending the phone’s IMEI number to 1555 or checking the CA’s official website. It is also advisable to purchase phones only from licensed vendors.
This ban is part of Kenya’s ongoing efforts to protect citizens from substandard devices while promoting safe and reliable telecommunications services.
According to the CA, the affected brands failed to meet mandatory type-approval standards, which are required to confirm that mobile phones comply with health, safety, and technical regulations. Phones that do not undergo this process may expose users to health risks, such as unchecked radiation levels, or interfere with licensed network operations, causing service disruptions.
The 21 banned brands include: TINSIK, REALFONE, F+, FONROX, MEZ, NEMOJO, VUE, BUNDY, QQMEE, U-FM, CHATADA, SUPERX, MOMOFLY, WR, X.ODA, SMBA, Q-SEVEN, UGBAD, FT, RAENO, and SWITCH.
The CA has instructed all retailers and vendors to immediately stop selling these devices. Consumers are also advised not to buy or continue using them. Enforcement actions may be taken against those who fail to comply.
To avoid buying illegal devices, the CA recommends checking that phones are type-approved. Consumers can also verify approval by sending the phone’s IMEI number to 1555 or checking the CA’s official website. It is also advisable to purchase phones only from licensed vendors.
This ban is part of Kenya’s ongoing efforts to protect citizens from substandard devices while promoting safe and reliable telecommunications services.
