A directive issued on November 5, 2024 by Kenya Revenue Authority requiring registration of all mobile phones entering Kenya or being assembled here drew mixed interpretations from both media and wananchi.

According to some interpretations, some headlines were coined in a way that made one conclude that KRA was about tracking mobile phones in Kenya.

Some Kenyans were of course not happy. But could there be more clarity in how KRA framed its statement, because it is bound to elicit ambiguous interpretations.

The memo by KRA reads in part:

“Following the Communication Authority of Kenya’s(CA) public notice on enhancing the integrity and tax compliance of mobile devices, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) hereby notifies all importers of Mobile devices and travelers of the following Customs requirements to implement the CA’s requirements:

1. Requirements for importers: All Importers of the mobile devices will be required to submit detailed import entries for all mobile devices with accurate quantities, proper model descriptions/specifications, and their respective IMEI numbers in the Customs system.

2. Requirements for passengers: passengers entering the territory of Kenya will declare the details and respective IMEI numbers for their mobile devices intended for use, during the stay in the country at the Port of entry on the F88 passenger declaration form.

3. Device Assemblers/ Manufacturers: must register on the Customs portal and submit a report of all devices assembled for the local market and their respective IMEI numbers.

One must also obtain regulatory clearance from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)

KRA intends to implement the directive from January 1, 2025 after providing the necessary guidelines on how the details required would be processed by the affected people.

For one, it is not clear whether KRA’s tracking of IMEI numbers will end with the importer or will continue to the end user.

It is also not clear whether passengers mentioned in point 2. Are foreigners only or includes Kenyans, and if devices include old handsets that have been used over a long period.

These questions leave the directive open to interpretations as to how the tax agency intends to use the details to grow revenue and hit targets without making Kenyans feel like they were being spied on. After buying a phone.