Communications Authority faces scrutiny over expiring data bundles

Appearing before the National Assembly's ICT Committee, the CA was required to list measures put in place to protect Kenyans from data bundles expiries and internet service disruptions. 

Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya criticised the short-term data packages offered by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), terming them unrealistic and fraudulent. 

"Why do we pay for bundles that expire before we use them? If bundles worked like other utilities, consumers wouldn’t be losing their money,” Donya noted.

"It's unrealistic for anyone to consume 20GB of data bundles within an hour of purchase," she added. 

Committee chair, John Kiarie (Dagoretti MP) also raised concerns over the issue, questioning why the Authority cannot implement no-expiry policies. 

 “If radio stations can air quality of service issues, why aren’t ISPs doing the same for internet service? Other countries have implemented no-expiry policies, and we need similar protections here," Kiarie wondered. 

In response, CA Director-General David Mugonyi acknowledged that regulations are already in place and they have penalised providers in the past.

He, however, pointed out that there are gaps in the current law regarding mandatory compensation for consumers. 

He added that CA would initiate a sensitization campaign to educate the public on how to lodge complaints. 

The lawmakers directed the CA to put stronger oversight mechanisms to protect Kenyans from exploitation.