Kenyan Government Tells Refugees to Stop Using SIM Cards Registered with Borrowed IDs

The Government of Kenya, through the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), has issued a public notice urging all refugees residing in the country to cease using mobile phone SIM cards registered using borrowed Kenyan Identity Cards (IDs).

This directive comes in light of the newly enacted Kenya Information and Communications Regulation, 2025, which allows refugees to register SIM cards using the refugee Identity card. The regulations prohibit the registration of SIM cards using a different person’s identity card other than the owner. The regulation is part of broader efforts by the government to strengthen digital identity systems, improve national security, and ensure compliance with legal registration processes.

Refugee Identification in Kenya

In Kenya, refugees are legally recognized and issued Refugee ID cards by the Department of Refugee Services. These identity documents confirm the holder’s refugee status and are intended to facilitate access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and legal residence within designated areas, including refugee camps like Kakuma and Dadaab or approved urban settlements such as Nairobi and Mombasa.

A Refugee ID just like the Kenyan National ID, is the refugee identifier used when accessing services, including mobile phone registration, under approved frameworks.

Implications and Next Steps

The government has not yet specified penalties for refugees found using SIM cards registered with borrowed Kenyan IDs, but compliance is expected to be mandatory. The DRS is working closely with mobile service providers, the Communications Authority of Kenya, and refugee-serving agencies to ensure a smooth transition for affected individuals.

Refugees are encouraged to engage with the Department of Refugee Services or authorized partners such as the UNHCR and the IRC (International Rescue Committee) to receive guidance on how to register their SIM cards using appropriate documentation.

Promoting Legal and Secure Access

This move underscores the Kenyan government’s intent to create a secure, inclusive digital ecosystem while respecting the rights and needs of refugees. It also reflects efforts to ensure that all persons in Kenya, regardless of status, are operating within the law and have secure access to communication tools.

For many refugees, mobile phones are a lifeline—providing access to mobile banking, family communication, online learning, and emergency alerts. Ensuring that refugees can use these tools legally and safely is essential not only for regulatory compliance but also for protecting their dignity, privacy, and integration within the host society.

For more information or assistance with SIM registration, refugees are advised to visit the nearest DRS office, UNHCR support center, or their mobile service provider's customer care center.