The Communications Authority of Kenya has ordered mobile operators to deliver government emergency bulk SMS messages to all active subscribers, including people who switched off promotional texts or set Do-Not-Disturb.
The directive is contained in a letter dated 1 October 2026 and signed under the authority of Director General David Mugonyi. It covers Safaricom PLC, Airtel Networks Kenya, Telkom Kenya and Jamii Telecommunications.
Operators were told to support National Early Warning System simulation test runs scheduled for 2 October 2026, and to keep the exemption in place for the wider El Niño preparedness and response period.
What the Directive Says
Commercial and promotional SMS still follow the usual opt-in and opt-out rules. Government-authorised emergency bulk messages do not.
The CA directed operators to exempt those emergency messages from the opt-in and opt-out requirements that apply to commercial messaging services for the duration of the simulation exercises and the El Niño preparedness and response period.
Approved emergency preparedness and public safety messages must reach all active subscribers. That includes numbers with promotional messaging preferences switched off, Do-Not-Disturb settings active, or earlier opt-out requests recorded.
Operators were also told not to apply opt-out mechanisms to emergency alerts and disaster preparedness messages issued under the framework, and to give those messages priority on their networks.
Messages are to be sent through designated government platforms, including short code 1590.
The types of traffic covered include early warning system messages, disaster preparedness advisories, simulation notifications, emergency instructions and El Niño-related public safety alerts.
Why the CA Says It Is Doing This
The Authority framed the order as a public safety measure. It said timely dissemination of critical information falls under the government’s duty to protect life, property and national security, and under licence obligations that require operators to support emergency communications when directed.
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Reporting on the letter also points to constitutional provisions on access to information and consumer rights, together with the Access to Information Act, as part of the legal backdrop the CA cited.
In plain terms: if you blocked promotional SMS, you can still receive an official El Niño or early-warning alert. That does not reopen the door for marketing offers or commercial bulk blasts.
What Changes for Subscribers
Swipe left and right on mobile →
| Message type | Opt-out / DND still apply? |
|---|---|
| Commercial / promotional SMS | Yes |
| Government-authorised emergency / public safety bulk SMS (simulation and El Niño period) | No, temporary exemption |
| Who is covered | All active subscribers on Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom and Jamii |
| Example channel | Designated platforms including short code 1590 |
If you receive an SMS that looks like a government emergency alert, treat it as official only if it comes through the channels the government and CA have designated. Scammers often piggyback on public alerts. Do not send money, share PINs or click unknown links because of a text that mentions floods or El Niño.
Operators Named
The letter was addressed to the chief executives of:
- Safaricom PLC
- Airtel Networks Kenya Limited
- Telkom Kenya Limited
- Jamii Telecommunications Limited
That covers the main licensed mobile networks serving the bulk of Kenya’s active lines.
Sources: The Star – CA orders telcos to send emergency SMS to all subscribers ahead of El Niño (2 October 2026); Pulse Kenya – CA orders mobile operators to bypass SMS opt-out rules for El Niño alerts; Kenyans.co.ke – CA Directs Telcos to Send El Niño Alerts to All Subscribers; The Eastleigh Voice – CA directs mobile operators to bypass opt-out settings; The Kenya Times. Based on the CA letter of 1 October 2026 as reported. This article is for information only.