The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has introduced new licensing requirements requiring all entities importing and distributing communications equipment to obtain a Communications Equipment Distributor (CED) license, in a move aimed at strengthening regulation of the country’s telecommunications sector.

In a public notice issued on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the authority said the new requirements follow the Revised Telecommunications Market Structure gazetted under Gazette Notice No. 3335 of March 6, 2026, pursuant to the Kenya Information and Communications Act (Cap. 411A).

Under the new framework, any company seeking to import or wholesale communications equipment into Kenya must first obtain a CED licence before the equipment can be type-approved by the authority and cleared through the TradeNet system.

What the new requirements mean

The regulator said the requirement applies to both new applicants and existing industry players.

“Any entity that is interested in importing and wholesale distribution of any communication equipment is required to apply for a Communications Equipment Distributor (CED) licence to be able to import and have their equipment type approved by the Authority and cleared in the TradeNet system,” the authority said.

The CA also directed holders of Telecommunications Equipment Contractor (TEC) and Vendor Licences who intend to continue importing or distributing communications equipment to apply for the new CED licence immediately.

Aim of the revised licensing regime

The regulator said the revised licensing regime is intended to align the sector with the newly gazetted telecommunications market structure and to enhance oversight of communications equipment entering the Kenyan market.

The authority has also noted that full details of each licence category, the scope of the licences including licence terms, fees, and eligibility criteria, are available on the authority’s website at https://www.ca.go.ke/market-structure.

The authority said details on the various licence categories, eligibility requirements, licence terms and applicable fees are available on its website, alongside application forms and licensing guidelines.

“Application forms, guidelines, and fee schedules are also available at https://www.ca.go.ke/license-application-forms-fees,” CA noted.

The Communications Authority oversees regulation of the country’s telecommunications, broadcasting, postal and courier services, cybersecurity and e-commerce sectors. It is also mandated to manage Kenya’s numbering and radio frequency spectrum resources, administer the Universal Service Fund (USF), and protect the interests of ICT consumers.

CA Director General and Chief Executive Officer David Mugonyi further urged current and prospective licensees to comply with the new requirements, noting that inquiries can be directed to the Authority through its headquarters in Nairobi or its regional offices across the country.