Nairobi, Feb. 8 -- The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) wants to build an online platform where Kenyans can verify the authenticity of their mobile phones in a fresh crackdown on fake phones.

The web-based platform will allow mobile phone users to key in their phone's International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and search to see if their gadgets are authentic.

Fake mobile phones are made by manufacturers who steal the design and trademarks of genuine handset firms to deceive buyers.

These knockoffs are often cheaper than genuine phones, which makes them especially attractive to cost-conscious buyers, but they often lack some functionalities and features of genuine ones.

"This project aims to provide consumers with an accessib...