The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is set to roll out a new system that will allow citizens to see every mobile phone number registered under their ID or passport, a major step in the fight against identity theft.
The tool, dubbed the “ID-to-SIM Checker,” aims to protect Kenyans from scammers who exploit stolen identification documents to register SIM cards secretly. Once the service goes live, users will simply text their ID or passport number to a designated short code and quickly receive a reply listing all phone numbers linked to their credentials.
A Nationwide, Cross-Network Solution
According to the CA, the system will work across all mobile networks, including Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom, and others. Users can expect a complete report of linked numbers regardless of which provider issued them.
The authority has set strict requirements for the tool: it must be fast, secure, and user-friendly, capable of handling up to 5,000 requests per minute while encrypting sensitive personal data.
Behind the scenes, the system will connect to all mobile network operators to scan their databases simultaneously. The CA will manage a secure dashboard to monitor operations, flag suspicious activity, and ensure telecom companies adhere to registration protocols.
Tackling Fraudulent SIM Registrations
This initiative responds to years of fraudulent SIM registration, where criminals used fake or stolen IDs to commit scams, often targeting unsuspecting citizens. By giving individuals the power to monitor their mobile identity, the ID-to-SIM Checker shifts control from telecom companies to users, holding providers accountable for tighter registration procedures and better protection of personal data.
The CA expects to launch the service later this year, marking a significant move toward trust and safety in Kenya’s growing digital landscape. If successfully implemented, the system could become a model for other countries seeking to combat SIM-related fraud while empowering citizens to safeguard their identities.
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