Kenya Department of Refugee Service Cracks Down on SIM Card Fraud
The Department of Refugee Service (DRS) has issued a stern warning to refugees in Kenya, urging them to immediately cease registering mobile phone SIM cards using borrowed Kenyan IDs. The announcement, made in response to the gazettement of the Kenya Information and Communications Regulations 2025, cites a violation of Section 9 of the new regulations.
The DRS emphasized that this practice is now illegal under the updated 2025 laws, calling on all concerned individuals to comply to avoid legal repercussions. The directive aligns with the government’s ongoing Shirika Plan, which aims to integrate refugees socio-economically by allowing them to register SIM cards with their own Refugee IDs.
Official sources confirm that the regulations were gazetted earlier this year, with discussions around refugee policies intensifying following the Refugees (General) Regulations 2024. The DRS has provided contact details for inquiries, including an email (refugeeaffairs@refugee.go.ke) and phone number (+254 20 440 5057), encouraging affected individuals to seek clarification.
Social media reactions on X indicate the announcement gained traction on June 12, 2025, with users discussing the implications for refugee communities. For the latest updates, the public is advised to consult the official Kenya Gazette or contact the DRS directly.