Kenya’s latest directive on mobile devices is sending ripples across East Africa’s smartphone market, but beneath the initial panic lies a policy shift that could accelerate modernisation, improve consumer safety and reshape the entry-level segment.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) this week clarified that its March 24, 2026 notice is not an outright ban on cheap phones, but instead introduces new technical requirements for any device seeking type approval for sale or importation into the country.
Central to the directive is the requirement that all new phones and tablets must use a USB Type-C charging port with a detachable cable.
“Phones and tablets that were already type-approved before March 24th, 2026, or that are already in circulation and in use by Kenyans, remain fully legal,” the regulator said in a statement, pushing back against claims of an outright ban on low-cost devices.
However, the impact on the market is still significant. By effectively locking out devices that rely on Micro-USB and proprietary ports, the rule accelerates the phase-out of older-generation smartphones and feature phones, particularly the popular low-cost “kabambe” segment that has long relied on legacy charging systems.
For Kenya’s smartphone market, the directive is likely to favour manufacturers that have already aligned with global standards.
Brands targeting Africa’s mass market, including Transsion holdings’ Tecno, Infinix and Itel, have largely transitioned to USB-C across newer models, positioning them to benefit from the regulatory shift.
The move could tighten short-term supply, especially for smaller importers holding non-compliant stock, but will ultimately standardise the market and reduce fragmentation.
Beyond charging ports, the CA’s directive introduces a broader set of performance, safety and accessibility requirements that could redefine baseline expectations for devices in Kenya.
Phone and tablet batteries must now support a minimum of eight hours of talk time and 24 hours of standby time, while power plugs must comply with Kenya’s three-pin Type G standard or include an adapter.
Devices must also support accessibility features such as screen readers, text-to-speech, real-time captioning and compatibility with assistive technologies.
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