Julius Kiprop
- The High Court has temporarily stopped the KRA directive requiring travelers to declare mobile phone IMEI numbers.
- Phone importers are also exempted from registering IMEI numbers for tracking.
- Katiba Institute challenged the directive, citing legal and constitutional concerns.
- The suspension remains until the case is resolved.
The High Court has issued a temporary suspension of a controversial Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) directive mandating travelers entering Kenya to declare the IMEI numbers of their mobile phones for tax compliance. The ruling also halts a related requirement for phone importers to register IMEI numbers for tracking purposes.
The directive, implemented in collaboration with the Communications Authority (CA) of Kenya, sparked public outcry and legal opposition. Rights advocacy group Katiba Institute filed a case challenging the move, arguing that it infringes on constitutional rights and raises privacy concerns.
In response, the High Court suspended the directive pending the outcome of the case. This decision relieves both travelers and phone importers from complying with the contentious requirements for the time being.
The Katiba Institute contends that the directive lacks legal justification and could lead to misuse of personal data. The court’s decision ensures that the matter is thoroughly examined before any enforcement can proceed.
The High Court’s suspension of the KRA’s IMEI declaration directive highlights concerns over its legality and constitutionality. As the case progresses, stakeholders will await a final ruling that balances privacy rights and regulatory objectives.
