CA Confirms Biometric Data Not Required for New SIM Registration
It also aims to strengthen the integrity of telecommunications services and support secure access to digital services such as mobile money
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has clarified that biometric data is not required during the registration of new mobile SIM cards
In a statement released on November 18, the CA addressed concerns raised over the collection of biometric information by telecommunication companies. The authority emphasized that no directives have been issued mandating the collection of such data
The notice, first published in May 2025, was developed to protect citizens from SIM card-related fraud and other criminal activities, including identity theft, SIM box fraud, and scams
It also aims to strengthen the integrity of telecommunications services and support secure access to digital services such as mobile money
“The New SIM Card Regulations do not contain any provision for the collection of biometric data,” the CA stated
The Authority defines biometric data as personal information derived from technical processing based on physical, physiological, or behavioral characteristics
The CA further noted that telecommunication operators are subject to strict security and confidentiality obligations under the Kenya Information and Communications Act (1998) and the Data Protection Act (2019)
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“CA and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) will provide strict oversight, including regular audits, and issue strong penalties for any abuse or misuse of customer data,” the authority said
Under the revised regulations, operators are allowed to suspend SIM cards if subscribers provide false information or repeatedly fail to comply with registration requirements. However, no subscriber can be disconnected without prior notice
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
