Mobile phone vendors to guarantee warranties, after-sales support in new guidelines

Vendors of mobile phones in the country including importers and retailers will be required to guarantee warranties and after-sales support under new guidelines.

The draft guidelines on features and technical specifications for mobile cellular devices imported and distributed in Kenya by the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) require a minimum one year warranty and two years of after sales support.

“Vendors shall provide at least one year warranty and ensure the availability of after-sales support for a further two year period for each mobile cellular device they sell,” reads part of the draft guideline published this week.

The guidelines are geared at obligating vendors and manufacturers to ensure customers buy mobile cellular devices that meet approved standards.

Stakeholders and the public have until April 23 to submit their input on the revised guidelines before their final rules are gazetted.

Additional regulations require the manufacturer of mobile devices to clearly identify the model and type of device through labeling while parties will seek approval for type of device from the CA.

Moreover devices should offer at least eight hours of talk-time and 24 hours standby-time.

Other requirements instituted in the guidelines cover external features, radiation safety and operating frequencies.

The CA regularly reviews specifications on the features and technical details for mobile cellular devices in the country.