20100622
africanews

The Kenya government has ordered the registration of all mobile phones and sim cards to cut mobile phone crimes. Mobile phone subscribers have until the end of July to register their numbers or will be disconnected from their networks.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Dr Bitange Ndemo, said henceforth new subscribers are obliged to register their lines at the place of purchase.

“It is the government intention to have all mobile subscribers known by their identity. This initiative will no doubt make us achieve this within the shortest time possible,” Dr Ndemo said.

He said the move was aimed to tackle terrorism, drugs-trafficking, money-laundering, kidnapping and also the sending of hate messages.

Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) Director General Charles Njoroge also said mobile operators would also be required to frequently update their subscribers’ personal details.

Kenyan officials say gangs often use unregistered SIM cards to text ransom demands.

Police commissioner Mathew Iteere told the BBC: "It has become a tool of banking, it can be used to steal data, [to] transmit unauthorized information and perpetrates huge frauds.”

Africa mobile subscribers have reached 448.1 million representing a 20% rise, according to a latest report from Ovum Research.