Kenya to Enforce IMEI Registration for Travelers from January 2025

Last updated: November 2024

On January 1, 2025, any visitor upon arrival in Kenya will be compelled to declare the IMEI numbers of mobile devices upon entry. The new regulatory requirement by the Kenya Revenue Authority intends to improve tax compliance and guarantee the integrity of Kenya's mobile device market; thus, it will affect travelers arriving with their phones and other mobile devices into the country.

What is an IMEI Number?

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number refers to a unique 15-digit code identifying mobile devices globally. Such an identifier includes the model of the device, the manufacturer, and the technical specifications, which helps in tracing its usage on networks. IMEI numbers stored in the EIR maintain records of valid mobile devices. This above regulation, when implemented, will not allow unauthorized devices onto the networks and ensure that tax compliance is adhered to across the mobile device market.

Why IMEI Declaration Would Be Required in Kenya

It is part of wider efforts that the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Communications Authority of Kenya have been doing in regulating mobile device imports and ensuring adherence to tax laws. Kenya seeks to ensure that all mobile devices are well-documented upon entry, which will translate to a more secure network environment and offer protection for local mobile markets from devices that may be harmful or unauthorized.

Different User Groups Requirements

The KRA has set out different regulations applied to several groups, which it perceives as entities to import or convey mobile devices into Kenya:

• Requirements for Travelers:

All travelers importing mobile devices into Kenya will be obligated to declare the IMEI numbers of each device they intend to use in the country. They are required to do so upon arrival in the country at the port of entry using the F88 passenger declaration form. This means that every device should be documented separately to ensure that it is in line with the policy.

• Requirements for Importers:

Importers of mobile devices into Kenya for commercial purposes shall lodge import entries on KRA's Customs Portal, declaring model descriptions of the items imported, their quantities, and their respective IMEI numbers. Importers shall obtain all needed regulatory permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya before they complete their importation.

• Requirements for Local Assemblers and Manufacturers:

Given that the assemblers and the manufacturers are based in Kenya, they should register in the KRA Customs portal, where they declare the various devices that have been assembled for distribution within the country, emphasizing their IMEI numbers. Given that the devices are also for the domestic market, verification and registration were also imperative for purposes of compliance.

Compliance and Penalties

Non-compliance with this IMEI reporting requirement may lead to delays or fines since the regulation is part of the strict import management policies of Kenya. It is to the benefit of visitors and importers to acquaint themselves with the new requirements before arrival for smooth entry. Since this covers restricted imports according to the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004, regulatory permits are needed in order to meet the set standards by the Communications Authority of Kenya.

How to Prepare for New IMEI Policy

Here is how different groups can prepare for the new IMEI policy:

• For Travelers: The IMEI number for each mobile device you want to bring with you into Kenya should be ready at hand; most devices will have them in the settings. 
• For Importers: This means revisiting your documentation and ascertaining the inclusion of detailed declaration mechanisms in guidelines for import entry on KRA's Customs portal. Precise, full information about a mobile device will be required to satisfy this compliance.
• Manufacturers and Assemblers shall pre-register the local market devices on the Customs portal in advance and have an IMEI number reported for each of them.

Future Guidelines and Updates

As the implementation date approaches, KRA is at liberty to publish further guidance on how to accurately capture and submit correct IMEI information from various users to the customs system. In this way, it will ensure that travelers, importers, and manufacturers are properly guided on compliance with minimal disruptions.

Conclusion

The adoption of the IMEI registration policy for visitors and importers marks yet another step in Kenya's quest to secure the country's digital and mobile landscape. In setting up this measure, the Kenyan government means to safeguard the interests of the local mobile device market and cut off unauthorized devices from the market, ensuring their compliance with standards. This will go a long way in positively affecting the regulation of mobile devices, hence engendering a more secure and compliant environment for both residents and visitors to Kenya alike.