Govt Issues New Directives to Mobile Operators Ahead of El Niño Rains – What It Means

Kenya’s mobile network operators have been ordered to bypass normal SMS opt-out restrictions when sending government-authorized emergency alerts as the country prepares for El Niño rains.

The directive means subscribers who have blocked promotional messages or activated Do-Not-Disturb (DND) settings may still receive emergency SMS issued through government-approved platforms during the preparedness and response period.

The move is part of fresh directives issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to mobile operators ahead of the National Early Warning System simulation scheduled for October 2, 2026.

“In view of the urgency and importance of the exercise, the Authority hereby directs all Mobile Network Operators to facilitate the test runs scheduled for October 2nd, 2026,” the CA said in a directive dated October 1.

Emergency Messages to Reach All Active Subscribers

CA directed Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom Kenya and Jamii Telecommunications to deliver approved emergency preparedness and public safety messages to all active subscribers, regardless of their existing promotional messaging preferences or previous opt-out arrangements.

Operators have also been instructed not to apply opt-out mechanisms to emergency alerts and disaster preparedness messages covered by the directive.

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The messages will include early warning alerts, disaster preparedness advisories, simulation notifications, emergency instructions and public safety alerts related to the El Niño rains.

CA said designated platforms, including Short Code 1590, will be used to disseminate the messages.

This directive comes as authorities conduct a national early warning system simulation exercise scheduled for October 2, with mobile operators required to support the test runs.

Operators Ordered to Prioritise Emergency Alerts

CA further directed operators to accord priority handling to emergency communications and ensure their timely delivery across their networks.

“In case of a major disaster such as earthquakes, floods and similar events or any other situation of emergency or a crisis of either local, regional or national crisis and which require emergency communication services, the Licensee shall facilitate provision of information to the public as may be directed by the Government,” the regulator said.

The Authority said dissemination of early warning messages, disaster preparedness advisories, emergency instructions and El Niño-related safety alerts falls within operators’ licence obligations.

It added that the directive was issued in the public interest and in fulfilment of the Government’s obligation to safeguard life, property and national security through timely access to critical information.

Also Read: EL NIÑO ALERT: Govt Issues Fresh El Niño Warning Ahead of October Rains

“Compliance with this directive is mandatory and operators are required to implement all necessary technical and operational measures with immediate effect,” CA said.

The operators were also directed to submit their preparedness status as requested in an earlier letter issued by the Authority on September 22, 2026.

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A photo of Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Director General David Mugonyi speaking during the opening session of the 29th East Africa Communications Organisation (EACO) Annual Assemblies and Extra-Ordinary Congress at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on June 24, 2024. PHOTO/ CA