Kenya's High Court struck down government orders that required citizens to disclose their phone identification codes. Justice Chacha Mwita declared the Communications Authority and Kenya Revenue Authority notices violated constitutional privacy protections. The directives lacked a proper legal foundation and exceeded agency powers. Officials had planned to collect device serial numbers starting in January 2025, as announced through public announcements made last October and November. Katiba Institute challenged the policy through court proceedings.
The ruling protected citizens from potential government tracking through mobile device databases. Phone serial numbers allow precise location monitoring when combined with other personal information. Constitutional articles 24 and 31 prohibit the restriction of rights without parliamentary approval and protect individual privacy from state intrusion. The judge banned enforcement of the collection program and prohibited similar future measures. This victory strengthens digital privacy safeguards for Kenyan mobile phone users.
The ruling protected citizens from potential government tracking through mobile device databases. Phone serial numbers allow precise location monitoring when combined with other personal information. Constitutional articles 24 and 31 prohibit the restriction of rights without parliamentary approval and protect individual privacy from state intrusion. The judge banned enforcement of the collection program and prohibited similar future measures. This victory strengthens digital privacy safeguards for Kenyan mobile phone users.
