Refugees Can Now Register SIM Cards Using Refugee ID – New Telecom Regulations Affirm

News / Mon, 06/09/2025 - 07:08

The Government of Kenya has published the Kenya Information and Communications (Registration of Telecommunications Service Subscribers) Regulations, 2025 under Legal Notice No. 90./sites/default/files/L.%20%20N.%2090-%20%20%20The%20Kenya%20Information%20and%20Communications%20(Registration%20of%20Telecommunications%20Services%20Subscriber).pdf

A key provision, Section 5(e), officially recognizes the Refugee Identity Card as a valid document for SIM card registration. This allows refugees to legally acquire SIM cards and access mobile services across Kenya.

Other Highlights:

Mandatory biometric and ID verification.
SIM registration allowed for children by parents/guardians.
Ban on proxy registrations (except for minors).
Six-month compliance window for existing subscribers.
Revocation of the 2015 SIM registration regulations.