The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)/ FILE
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has announced new regulatory requirements for entities involved in the importation and wholesale distribution of communications equipment in Kenya.
In a notice issued on July 21, the Authority said all entities interested in importing and distributing communications equipment must apply for a Communications Equipment Distributor (CED) licence before they can proceed with their activities.
The notice, issued by David Mugonyi, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Communications Authority of Kenya, said the new requirements follow the Revised Telecommunications Market Structure gazetted through Gazette Notice Number 3335 on March 6, 2026, under the Kenya Information and Communications Act, Cap. 411A.
According to the Authority, any entity seeking to import communications equipment and have it type-approved by the regulator must obtain the required licence. The licence will also allow equipment to be cleared through the TradeNet system.
Existing licence holders with Telecommunications Equipment Contractor (TEC) or Vendor Licences who wish to continue importing or distributing communications equipment have also been directed to apply for the new Communications Equipment Distributor licence with immediate effect.
The Communications Authority said it remains responsible for regulating information and communications services in Kenya, including telecommunications, cyber security, e-commerce, broadcasting and postal and courier services.
The regulator also oversees the management of the country’s numbering and frequency spectrum resources, administration of the Universal Service Fund and protection of consumers of ICT services.
The Authority described the CED licence as part of the regulatory requirements introduced after the revised telecommunications market framework.
The notice stated that “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.”
The Authority said full details on licence categories, scope, licence terms, fees and eligibility criteria are available through its official channels.
Mugonyi said enquiries regarding the notice should be directed to the Communications Authority of Kenya as the regulator continues to implement the new requirements for communications equipment importation and distribution.
