Kenya Mandates Stricter Technical Standards for Mobile Devices from 2026
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has unveiled a comprehensive set of new technical specifications that will govern the sale and use of mobile cellular devices within the country, commencing in 2026. These updated standards establish minimum requirements across a range of critical areas, including battery performance, charging capabilities, frequency band support, safety protocols, and accessibility features for users with disabilities.
The 2026 specifications apply to a broad spectrum of mobile devices, encompassing smartphones, feature phones, and tablets. A significant update requires all mandated devices to adopt USB-C charging technology and to demonstrate a minimum battery talk time of at least eight hours. This move aims to enhance user experience, promote interoperability, and align with global technological advancements.
The CA, as the designated authority for the type approval of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment, has developed these rigorous specifications. Their primary objective is to meticulously assess mobile devices for safety, electromagnetic compatibility, radiation levels, and potential environmental impacts before they can be legally distributed and utilized in Kenya.
Key Technical Requirements for 2026 Mobile Devices
The public notice, issued by CA Director General David Mugonyi, outlines the following detailed specifications that devices must adhere to:
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Battery Performance: Devices are required to offer a minimum of 8 hours of talk time and a standby time of at least 24 hours, adhering to the GSMA TS.09 standard.
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Charging Port: A mandatory shift to USB Type-C charging ports is enforced, in line with EU Directive 2022/2380. Furthermore, the charging cable must be detachable from the power adapter, following ITU-T L.1000 guidelines.
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Power Plug: Devices intended for the Kenyan market must utilize a Type G 3-pin plug that conforms to KS 546:1974. In instances where a non-3-pin plug is supplied, a compliant adapter must be included with the device.
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Operating Voltage & Frequency: The specifications mandate compatibility with the Kenyan National Distribution Grid Code, 2024, requiring devices to operate within a voltage range of 240V ± 10% and a frequency of 50Hz ± 1Hz.
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Frequency Bands: A fundamental requirement is the support for a wide array of cellular network bands, including 2G (GSM), 3G (IMT-2000), 4G (IMT-Advanced), and 5G (IMT-2020), as allocated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
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RF Output Power Limits: Strict limits are placed on radio frequency (RF) output power to manage signal strength and potential interference:
- 2G GSM 900 MHz: 2W
- 2G GSM 1800 MHz: 1W
- 3G UMTS 2100 MHz: 250mW
- 4G LTE: 200mW
- 5G NR: 200mW
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Safety (Electrical): Electrical safety is paramount, with specifications including:
- Restricted access to energized parts, following IEC 60950-1 standards.
- Replaceable-battery devices must feature an explosion warning label.
- Materials used must not exceed safe temperature limits.
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Specific Absorption Rate (SAR): Limits are set for the amount of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body from mobile devices:
- Head/trunk: ≤ 2.0 W/kg (measured over 10g of tissue)
- Limbs: ≤ 4.0 W/kg (measured over 10g of tissue)
- Whole body: ≤ 0.08 W/kg (measured over 10g of tissue)
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Radiated Emissions: Standards are defined to control electromagnetic interference emitted by devices, with varying limits depending on distance and frequency range:
- Limits at 10m (30–230 MHz): 30 dBµV/m (OATS/SAC); 32 dBµV/m (FAR)
- Limits at 3m (30–230 MHz): 40 dBµV/m (OATS/SAC); 42 dBµV/m (FAR)
- Limits at 10m (230–1000 MHz): 37 dBµV/m (OATS/SAC); 32 dBµV/m (FAR)
- Limits at 3m (230–1000 MHz): 47 dBµV/m (OATS/SAC); 42 dBµV/m (FAR)
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Conducted Emissions: Limits are also specified for electromagnetic interference conducted back into power and telecommunications lines:
- Mains port: 50–66 dBµV
- Telecommunications port: 20–30 dBµV (following CISPR 22)
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Hazardous Substances (RoHS): In alignment with Directive 2011/65/EU, devices must not contain Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, or other restricted hazardous substances beyond permissible limits.
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Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities: A significant focus is placed on ensuring mobile devices are usable by everyone, with requirements for features supporting various needs:
- For users with limited or no vision: Support for speech output, text-to-speech, tactile feedback, adjustable text size, high contrast modes, and screen reader functionality.
- For users with limited or no hearing: Inclusion of visual notifications, text displays, vibration alerts, captioning capabilities, and audio amplification options.
- For users with limited vocal capability: Support for text input, gesture controls, and keyboard alternatives.
- For users with limited manipulation: Features such as large touch targets, simple gestures, and one-handed operating modes.
- Interoperability: Devices must be compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers, voice recognition software, and braille displays.
- Communication Features: Support for Real-Time Text (RTT), visible Caller ID, and barrier-free emergency access (KS 2952).
The full technical specifications document for mobile cellular devices in 2026 is available on the Communications Authority of Kenya’s official website, accessible through the Type Approval specifications tab. The Authority has indicated that these specifications will undergo periodic reviews to ensure they remain current with evolving technologies, industry best practices, and changing consumer trends.
