How to Send Bulk SMS in Kenya — Fully Compliant with the Data Protection Act (2025).

Sending bulk SMS can be a powerful engagement tool—if done right. Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA) and Data Protection Act (2019) demand strict guidelines. This blog gives you a step‑by‑step guide on compliance when using platforms like SMSLeopard.

1. Secure Explicit Consent

• Obtain opt‑in: Only send SMS to users who have expressly agreed (via forms, signed documents, or explicit requests).

• Record & store consent with timestamps and source (e.g., checkbox/date/email). SMSLeopard logs this automatically.

• Opt‑out option is mandatory: Include “Reply STOP” in every SMS to allow easy unsubscribing.

2. Adhere to Sending Time Windows

• Promotional messages must be sent only between 7 AM–7 PM.

• Political content restricted to 8 AM–6 PM.

• Business-critical (transactional) alerts may occur outside those hours.

3. Sender ID & Template Registration

• Register a branded sender ID (11-character alphanumeric code) to comply with CA rules.

• Pre-approve SMS templates where required. SMSLeopard assists with sender ID and template approval.

4. Secure Data Handling

• Encrypt messages in transit and at rest; use HTTPS or TLS.

• Apply authentication controls—strong passwords and 2FA for SMSLeopard access.

• Practice data minimization: only collect essential info like phone numbers.

• Store data on secure servers, preferably within Kenya for data localization.

5. Register as Data Controller/Processor

• If handling personal data beyond a certain threshold (e.g., > 10 employees or revenue > KES 5M), register with the ODPC within 14 days.

• Publish a Data Protection Officer (DPO) on your website and communicate their details.

6. Maintain Data Records & Audits

• Retain contact, consent, and message logs, including delivery status.

• Conduct periodic Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and log incidents.

7. Respect DND and Opt-Out Requests

• Stop sending to users who reply “STOP” or are on the Do Not Disturb (DND) registry.

• SMSLeopard automates DND blocking and updates opt-out lists instantly.

8. Report Data Breaches Promptly

• Notify the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner and affected users within 72 hours of a breach.

• Document events, scale of data affected, mitigation steps, and communication logs.

9. Integrate SMS with Additional Communication

• Combine SMS with WhatsApp, Chat, or Surveys through SMSLeopard’s platform and APIs.

• Ensure all channels preserve opt-in/opt-out status and data tracking.

10. Required Documentation Checklist

How SMSLeopard Supports Compliance

• Opt-in capture, timestamping, and secure storage.

• Automated opt-out and DND blocking.

• Sender ID & template registration assistance.

• Encrypted data storage and secure API connections.

• Free tools and support for ODPC registration, DPO setup, and DPIAs.

Final Checklist Before Sending Bulk SMS

1. Obtain and record explicit opt-in.

2. Register sender ID and pre-approve templates.

3. Align send times with CA regulations.

4. Encrypt data and protect APIs with authentication.

5. Ensure DPO registration and data records.

6. Automate opt-out and DND compliance.

7. Maintain logs and perform audits/DPIA.

8. Prepare breach response protocol.

When you follow these steps, your bulk SMS campaigns in Kenya will not only be effective—they’ll also be fully compliant, respectful of customer privacy, and supported by SMSLeopard’s secure, unified messaging platform.

For a compliant, powerful, and reliable bulk SMS solution, choose SMSLeopard—built for businesses in Kenya in 2025.

All information based on public regulatory sources and SMSLeopard documentation as of mid 2025.