Telecoms Regulatory Risk

The announcement that Kenya's cell phone service providers are required to register their users before year end may provide the much needed catalyst for a more competitive environment.

Why it required presidential intervention and has taken so long is beyond me. It really underplays CCK's regulatory capacity.

The anticipated user database is a first step towards number portability, an issue that has been successfully fought off by the leading cellular service provider so far.

I don't think number portability will be put off much longer. In having a user database, the regulator is surely under increased pressure to allow for number portability.

Where does this put Kenya's leading and only listed cellular service provider?? Not at a very favourable spot I'd say!