Kenya Moves to Curb SIM Fraud with ID-to-SIM Verification System

Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA) is set to launch a nationwide system that will allow citizens to verify all mobile numbers registered under their national ID or passport. 

The system, aimed at combating SIM card fraud and identity theft, will be introduced later this year. Through the new service, Kenyans will be able to send their ID details via SMS to a designated short code. 

In return, they will receive a message listing all mobile numbers linked to their credentials, regardless of the network provider. The CA has outlined that the service must be fast, secure, and user-friendly, with the capacity to process up to 5,000 queries per minute. It will use encryption to protect sensitive personal data.

The system will be connected to the databases of all mobile network operators, ensuring a unified check across the sector. The CA will oversee the system through a secure monitoring dashboard to detect suspicious activity and ensure regulatory compliance. This move comes in response to widespread issues with the use of stolen or falsified IDs for SIM card registrations, often for criminal activities.

With over 65 million active mobile subscriptions in Kenya, far surpassing the adult population, the risk of fraudulent registrations is significant. Many citizens hold multiple SIM cards, making it difficult to detect irregularities. 

If successfully implemented, the ID-to-SIM verification system will strengthen consumer protection and improve trust in Kenya’s mobile services, an essential part of the country’s digital economy.