Telecommunications licensing in Kenya

Telecommunications licensing in Kenya

Telecommunications licensing in Kenya – The Communications Authority of Kenya is the Regulatory Authority for the communications sector in Kenya. The Authority is responsible for facilitating the development of the information and communications sectors including Broadcasting, Multimedia, Telecommunications, Electronic, Commerce, Postal and Courier Services.

In this blog we are going to talk about the whole process for Telecommunications licensing in Kenya

Telecommunications licensing in Kenya – Outline

The Telecommunication Market Structure is divided into 6 market segments under the unified licensing framework. The market segments include:

1. National network facilities provides
   1. Tier 1
   2. Tier 2
   3. Tier 3
2. International network facilities providers
   1. Submarine cable landing license
   2. International gateway license
3. Non-infrastructure service providers
   1. Application service providers
   2. Content service providers
4. Terminal equipment providers
   1. Telecommunication terminal equipment contractors
   2. Telecommunication technical personnel
5. Private very small aperture terminals (VSAT)
   1. Operated through VSAT hub operators licensed in Kenya
   2. Operated through foreign VSAT hub operators
6. On time authorisation
   1. GMPCS landing rights authorization
   2. Business process outsourcing

Requirements for Telecommunications licensing in Kenya

The licensing process commences with the submission of a duly completed application form available at the authorities website. The applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Be registered in Kenya with the Registrar of Companies as a Company, Sole Proprietor or a Partnership
2. Have a duly registered office and permanent premises in Kenya
3. Provide details of Shareholders and Directors
4. Registered Companies are required to have at least 20% local shareholding on or before the end of three years after receiving a license
5. Provide Evidence of Compliance

At the conclusion of the licensing process, the applicant is advised of the outcome in writing. If the application is approved, the applicant is given a maximum of six months within which to take up the offer, failing which he/she may be required to apply a fresh if still interested in the license. The license must be put into operation within 12 months from the date of issuance.

It is a requirement that all electronic communications systems be type approved by the authority before they are activated. The authority inspects all networks before they are out into operation.

We hope that this Blog answered all your questions about Telecommunications licensing in Kenya. Feel Free To Contact Us for any clarification on the same or for compliance.

All the Best 🙂