The government through the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) will start monitoring phone calls.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 5, senior government advisor Moses Kuria said that the government will also start monitoring Airbnbs across the country.
The move is meant to trace phone transactions and conversations that will help in tracking criminals.
According to Kuria, this will help nab criminals including the ones conducting Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases, especially femicides.
Kuria’s proposal has been lauded by Government Deputy Spokesperson Mwanaisha Childzuga, explaining that it will clear out the reputation of Airbnbs in the country, which are legitimate businesses.
“This regulation will be of great help, we should not be blaming the Airbnbs because they are there for business.
“It is the culprits who are portraying a negative image of Airbnbs but through the regulation that will be put in place, they will be nabbed,” she stated.
Also Read: KRA Issues Fresh Directive on Mobile Phones
Govt Deputy Spokesperson on Femicide
Childzuga has noted the alarming rise in the number of cases of GBV and femicide across the country.
Furthermore, she called on Kenyans to participate in the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
“From 15th November, we will be starting the 16 days of activism against GBV. Therefore, let us work together to curb the rising cases, Kenyans can not continue to live in fear,” she added.
Also, she asked parents to monitor the online footprint of their children as a way of reducing online threats to children.
“I called upon Kenyans, especially parents, to monitor their children’s use of social media and strangers.
“All this problem starts with the social media platforms and strangers, we as parents have a role to play in monitoring our children using social media.”
Also Read: Govt Targets Mobile Phones in New Tax Crackdown
Other Directives on Phones
In an earlier notice, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced that all importers of mobile devices will be required to comply with specific customs procedures to enhance transparency and accountability in the mobile device importation process.
Additionally, the authority noted that passengers entering Kenya will be obligated to declare certain details of their mobile devices at the port of entry.
Travellers will need to provide information about the IMEI numbers of their devices as part of their passenger declaration on the F88 form.
KRA has ordered that device assemblers and manufacturers who produce mobile devices for the local market must now register on the Customs portal, and submit a comprehensive report detailing all devices assembled, including the IMEI numbers of each device.
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