Kenyan Telcos To Blast Emergency El Niño Text Alerts To All Phone Users

Government has directed mobile networks to send emergency bulk SMS to all Phone users ahead of heavy rains expected this October.

Telcos such as Safaricom and Airtel will now temporarily waive normal opt-in, opt-out and promotional messaging restrictions to be able to power real time emergency communication updates.

Development has followed need to identify dissaster and mitigate risks of earthquakes and floods.

The directive will also help strengthen disaster preparedness advisories, simulation notifications, emergency instructions, and El Niño-related public safety alerts.

Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) says the “Licensee shall facilitate provision of information to the public as may be directed by the Government.”

“In view of the urgency and importance of the exercise, the Authority hereby directs all mobile network operators to facilitate the test runs scheduled for October 2nd, 2026,” it says.