An Isolated Incident or a Ticking Time Bomb?

A video circulating on social media on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, showing a mobile phone smoldering on a Nairobi pavement has ignited local concern over device safety. While alarming, data indicates such events are statistically rare. However, the incident serves as a critical reminder of the potential dangers associated with the lithium-ion batteries that power nearly all modern smartphones.

Globally, while millions of phones are used safely every day, isolated cases of devices catching fire or exploding have been reported for years. The primary culprit in these failures is almost always the battery. Lithium-ion batteries contain a delicate balance of positive and negative electrodes. If this balance is compromised—through damage, defects, or extreme heat—it can trigger a process called 'thermal runaway,' where the battery generates excessive heat, leading to fire or an explosion.

Understanding the Risks: From Manufacturing to User Habits

Several factors can lead to a battery malfunction. According to multiple expert sources, these include:

• Manufacturing Defects: Although rigorous testing is standard, imperfections can occur. The most famous example was Samsung's global recall of its Galaxy Note 7 in 2016 after a design flaw in the battery compartment led to numerous devices catching fire.
• Physical Damage: Dropping a phone or applying excessive pressure can damage the thin separators that keep the battery's electrodes apart, potentially causing a short circuit.
• Overheating: Exposing a phone to direct sunlight, leaving it in a hot car, or even covering it while charging can cause temperatures to rise to dangerous levels. Modern smartphones are designed to operate within a safe temperature range, typically between 0°C and 35°C.
• Substandard Charging Accessories: The use of counterfeit or uncertified chargers and cables is a significant risk factor. These accessories may not regulate voltage correctly, leading to overcharging and overheating. In Kenya, the market is often flooded with cheap, third-party accessories that may not meet safety standards.
• Battery Age: Like all batteries, lithium-ion cells degrade over time, which can increase internal resistance and heat generation, raising the risk of failure.

Local Context: Regulation and Consumer Awareness in Kenya

In Kenya, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is the primary body responsible for ensuring products sold in the country, including electronics, meet safety and quality standards. KEBS implements a Standardization Mark for locally manufactured goods and an Import Standardization Mark for imported products to certify their compliance. However, the proliferation of counterfeit electronics remains a challenge.

KEBS is currently pushing for a new Standards Bill, 2025, which aims to grant the agency enhanced powers to seize non-compliant goods, halt production, and mandate recalls for unsafe products. This legislative update, which would replace the nearly 50-year-old Standards Act, is intended to better protect consumers from substandard goods that cost the nation an estimated KES 200 billion annually in various losses.

Warning Signs and Safety Precautions for Consumers

While explosions are rare, consumers should be aware of warning signs that a battery may be failing. These include the phone becoming unusually hot to the touch, a bulging or swollen battery case, hissing or popping sounds, or a persistent smell of burning plastic. If any of these signs are present, users should immediately stop using the device and take it to an authorized service center.

To minimize risks, Kenyan consumers are advised to follow these safety measures:

• Use Original or Certified Accessories: Always use the charger and cable that came with your phone or purchase certified third-party accessories from reputable vendors.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Do not leave your phone in direct sunlight or in a hot, parked car.
• Don't Charge Under Pillows: Covering a phone while it charges can trap heat and is a known fire hazard. Charge on a hard, flat surface.
• Handle with Care: Protect your phone from significant drops or impacts that could damage the battery internally.
• Monitor for Overheating: If your phone feels excessively hot during charging or heavy use, unplug it and let it cool down.

The Nairobi incident, while unsettling, highlights the importance of both regulatory oversight and consumer diligence. As smartphones become ever more integral to daily life, understanding the technology's inherent risks and adopting safe practices is essential for all users.