Communications Authority of Kenya proposes new mobile number recycling rules

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has released draft rules to regulate the deactivation and recycling of inactive mobile phone numbers. The proposed safeguards aim to protect subscribers' digital identities and personal information from unauthorized access during the reassignment process.

Under the new guidelines, telecommunications companies such as Safaricom and Airtel would be prohibited from reselling dormant SIM cards until a six-month window has passed. Currently, many operators recycle lines after only three months of inactivity. The proposed framework requires telcos to notify subscribers after three months of no revenue-generating activity—such as calls, SMS, or data usage—and provide an additional three-month period for the user to reactivate the line.

To ensure transparency, providers must publish lists of numbers due for deactivation 30 days in advance via websites, national newspapers, and other media. The regulations also include specific protections for individuals in custody, such as prisoners or those in remand, following a High Court ruling that recognized mobile numbers as an integral part of an individual's digital identity. The public has until September 11, 2026, to submit feedback on the draft rules.