Kenya’s new policy on mobile chargers creates panic

by MARIA MACHARIA

NAIROBI – KENYA has cleared the confusion emanating from a mandate that, effective this past Tuesday (March 24), only devices featuring USB Type-C charging ports must be sold or imported into the country.

There has been anxiety and a mix-up among some citizens in recent days that the government has regulated the use of other chargers, including the Micro-USB and USB-A, the latter of which is the most used on phones in circulation.

Businesses that have imported stock but had not received the wares, as well as informal traders that already had stock that is not compatible with Type-C, had also been panicking.

The Communications Authority (CA) has stepped in to allay the fears after “noting with concern the widespread misrepresentation that the notice seeks to ban or phase out the use of low-cost entry-level mobile phones in Kenya.”

According to the regulatory agency, the claims are inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the CA’s regulatory intent.

It clarified that gadgets that had already been approved or were in circulation and in use before March 24 were not affected by the mandate.

Approved devices that are in shipment and en route or awaiting shipment and had been previously approved are also not affected.

“There is no ban on the use, ownership or continued sale of existing stock that was previously approved,” the regulator stated.

This policy by the CA on chargers aims to standardise charging, reduce electronic waste and ensure safety, it said previously.

USB Type-C is the modern, reversible standard for charging, supporting up to 240W power for phones, laptops and consoles.

In addition, according to experts, advantages include easy insertion and faster data transfer speeds.

– CAJ News