Why do Kenyans ALWAYS read conspiracy into every move? Anyway it is good you said you need some education.

Every genuine mobile phone has a serial number to register it to a carrier network like Safaricom, Yu et.c. This number is called the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. The IMEI number can be used to verify the legitimacy of a phone.

Often counterfeit models won’t have an IMEI number or use a fake one because they imitate already researched, tested and marketed brand names like NOKIA and Samsung. Counterfeiters don’t have to invest in product research, design and safety testing . Counterfeit phones are made from cheap substandard components allowing them to be produced at a fraction of the price of genuine handsets. For this reason they will not be assigned an IMEI number and therefore may copy another existing or previous IMEI number or not have one at all. They are also likely to interfere with carrier's network efficiency.

Imagine 4 phones with the same IMEI number, Can the service provider identify a user, say in case of crime?

If you want affordable phone, you don't have to buy expensive. You can still buy affordable but genuine phones like Techno, Dorado, Bird e.t.c.

However, a relevant question is whether a genuine phone with an unregistered module is better than a counterfeit phone with a registered SIM. You know the answer.

@kusadikika i agree with you,why cant they tell the people producing the knock offs to weka an IMEI no. thats recognisable?is it China,s fault that they can produce cheap handsets with cheap labour?This is the same scenario like when Obama ran to WTO crying that China is making cheap cars and parts...I Know of a contractor who has 2 chinese double cabin pickups and they are working fine and the cost is more than half of this famous common brands...maybe when it comes to security there is an issue but not that they arent working properly.

I think there is enough fodder for a huge class action suit! I have asked the following:
- who stands to gain from all this?
- the patent for the cell phone expired in 1989, who says that I cannot/should not use a derivative of Openmoko and call it KIGOGO?
- the GSM chipset determines the IMEI, who says i cannot buy the same chipset from huawei and put it in my KIGOGO phone

a fake 4ne is one that keeps reminding u that u have insufficient bla bla..... even when ur credit balance is three figure