Kenyan regulator prepares to disconnect fake phone

In accordance with Regulation 24 of the Kenya Information and Communications (Importation, Type Approval and Distribution of Communications Equipment) Regulations 2010, requires all mobile phones to be type approved. Contravention of this statute attracts a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand shillings or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both.

Infringing on intellectual property rights

Counterfeits not only infringe on the manufacturers intellectual property rights, but also deny the government revenue in the form of tax as well as posing a health risk to the consumers.

Following the notice, Samsung Electronics East Africa has launched a dual-SIM handset - the Samsung Chief Hero handset (E1500) targeting phone users with two telephone lines. The Smart Dual SIM technology allows both SIM cards to be active.

Speaking in Nairobi after the launch of the Samsung Chief Hero handset, Robert Ngeru, Samsung Electronics East Africa Business Leader said the new internet enabled handset has been customised for local conditions to boost the uptake of genuine handsets and support CCK's anti counterfeit phones campaign.

The phone is pre-loaded with a Kiswahili language option and features a free 2GB memory card. This strategy is part of the phone maker's agenda to get into the low-cost mobile phone market.

The phone also supports an additional 13 languages including Yoruba and Igbo - languages spoken in West Africa.