By Fredrick Obura

 The Communication Commission of Kenya says it has established some dealers in fake handset have employed services of software engineers to reprogramme blocked phones for reuse. 

CCK said it has seen increased attempts by traders in Nairobi to promote counterfeit phones in the market. This is despite the regulator’s months of campaign to weed out non-genuine phones that has seen over a million fake phones switched off by the four mobile operators network.

According to CCK director general Francis Wangusi, traders from parts of Nairobi were creating unique identity numbers for fake phones to conform to CCK’s requirement making many consumers fall victim.

“Traders are getting smarter to clear stock of counterfeit phones from their stores. A new trend we have seen on the increase is reprogramming of the phone software to create a unique identity to match our requirements,” said Wangusi.

“Our systems have identified quite a number since last week, we are working with law enforcers to bring the culprits to book.”

The director warned those in the act to stop as the far-reaching penalties were clearly spelt by Kenyan Laws.

According to the laws, one found guilty of engaging in such act stands a fine of Sh1 million, and a five year jail term or both.

Fake phones have been blamed to compromise the quality of services, insecurity, and other economic crimes denying genuine handset manufacturers deserved profits.

Nokia, a major handset manufacturer said fake phones claims more than five per cent of its market share.

“Five per cent is huge to our business compared to the current market dynamics, it is something that needs to be fought to encourage foreign investment,” said Bruce Howe, Nokia East Africa General Manager.

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