Mobile number recycling: Why Kenyans risk losing access to mobile money
Kenyans who stop using old mobile numbers could face difficulties accessing services linked to those numbers if the lines are eventually deactivated and recycled, under a new regulatory framework being considered by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). The regulator has opened public consultation on proposed safeguards governing the deactivation and recycling of inactive telecommunication…
Kenyan authorities are considering new rules to address the potential access issues for mobile money services when inactive mobile numbers are deactivated and recycled. Under the proposed framework, consumers will need to update their contact details with financial institutions and digital service providers to prevent losing access to services that rely on their mobile numbers for identification, verification, and account recovery.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is seeking public input on safeguards to manage the deactivation and recycling of unused mobile numbers, ensuring efficient management while protecting consumer rights. The consultation, which closes on September 11th, 2026, invites stakeholder comments on the draft guidelines through a dedicated email address.
The CA emphasizes that the proposed measures focus on preventing consumer losses rather than automatically limiting funds or accounts associated with retired mobile numbers.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
