Katiba Institute has filed a lawsuit against the Kenya Communications Authority, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the Attorney General, citing what it describes as a blatant violation of human rights.
The institute is challenging a new directive introduced by the KRA on November 5, 2024, requiring passengers entering Kenya to declare the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of any mobile devices they intend to use in the country.
In its petition, Katiba Institute argues that this mandatory disclosure poses a serious threat to fundamental rights and freedoms. The institute contends that the requirement could facilitate unwarranted state surveillance.
“When combined with other personal information, such as names or flight and customs details, IMEI numbers can be used to identify individuals, effectively making them personal data,” the petition states.
Katiba Institute also warns of the risks associated with collecting IMEI numbers without proper safeguards, urging immediate action to prevent what it calls a “dangerous trend.”
