Communications Authority Moves to Protect Private Data from Recycled Numbers
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The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has introduced new safeguards that could change how mobile operators deactivate and recycle unused numbers amid growing concerns over subscriber privacy.
The regulator has issued draft procedures and technical safeguards for deactivating and recycling idle mobile numbers. The measures aim to ensure the efficient use of Kenya’s numbering resources while protecting consumers from privacy risks associated with recycled numbers.
“In a bid to effectively manage the country’s numbering resources and safeguard the rights and interests of ICT service consumers assigned numbering resources, the Authority has developed draft procedural and technical safeguards for deactivation and recycling of inactive mobile numbers,” CA said.
The plans are in response to a landmark High Court ruling by Justice Lawrence Mugambi on March 19, 2026, which recognized a registered mobile number as part of an individual’s digital identity and tied the protection of the mobile number to the right to privacy.
According to the case, Erastus Ngura Odhiambo challenged the withdrawal of the mobile number he had used for more than a decade.
Justice Mugambi ordered the AG to work with government bodies, such as the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner and CA, to implement safeguards to secure digital identity related to registered mobile phones.
“A mandatory order is hereby issued, directing the Attorney General, within six months from the date of this judgment… to take all necessary and appropriate measures to safeguard digital identity associated with the registered mobile telephone number against unfettered deactivation and subsequent arbitrary reassignment or recycling,” the judge ruled.
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Protections for Former Registrants and their Personal Data
The court also ordered that no one should re-register a previously registered number without obtaining the former registrant’s prior consent.
It also mandated safeguards to prevent the disclosure or transfer of the former subscriber’s personal data to any unauthorised new subscriber.
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Public Call for Feedback on CA Safeguards
CA is now set to ask the public for opinions on its safeguards proposals.
The regulator has invited members of the public and other stakeholders to send in memoranda on the draft guidelines up to 11 th September 2026 @ numbering@ca.go.ke or mailto:numbering@ca.go.ke.
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The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Communications Authority of Kenya, David Mugonyi. PHOTO/ CA X.