Communication Authority Introduces New Rules for Phone and Laptop Sellers

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has introduced new consumer protection rules requiring all mobile phones, tablets, laptops and other low-power electronic devices sold in Kenya to come with a minimum one-year warranty and a clear return policy.

The new requirements, issued under the Communication Equipment Vendor (CEV) Class Licence, set stricter operating standards for gadget retailers across the country and are aimed at improving consumer protection and accountability within the electronics market.

“Ensure that all electronic communications equipment it sells in the Kenyan market shall have, at a minimum, a warranty period of one (1) year with a return policy,” read the new licence condition.

CA Introduces New Consumer Protection Rules for Gadget Retailers

Under the new regulations, vendors selling mobile phones, tablets, laptops, set-top boxes, tracking devices and other low-power electronic equipment will be required to provide after-sales support, including repairs, throughout the warranty period in collaboration with licensed distributors.

Additionally, CA directed retailers selling refurbished or foreign-used devices to clearly and permanently label them as “Refurbished” so that buyers can easily identify them before making a purchase.

“Ensure that the packaging of each refurbished electronic communication equipment is clearly and permanently labelled as ‘Refurbished’ in a manner that is visible to end users,”

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The authority also stated that all retailers will be required to issue detailed official receipts indicating the seller’s business name, the exact device model, serial number and warranty period for every purchase, whether made in-store or online.

The regulations further require online and social media-based gadget sellers to provide verifiable contact details, including a physical address, email address and telephone number, to enable customers to seek support or lodge complaints.

Retailers Face Heavy Fines for Non-Compliance

The Communications Authority also directed vendors to source electronic devices only from licensed Communications Equipment Distributors and ensure that all products sold in Kenya have received the Authority’s type approval.

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According to the Authority, these measures are intended to improve product quality, enhance consumer confidence and ensure that electronic devices available in the Kenyan market comply with national standards.

CA warned that retailers who fail to comply with the new licensing conditions risk fines of at least Ksh500,000 or 0.2% of their annual turnover.

In addition, vendors will be required to maintain transaction and warranty records for a minimum of three years and allow Communications Authority inspectors to access their premises and systems for compliance audits when required.

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A photo showing entrace to the CA office in kenya . Photo / File