The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has introduced a new licensing requirement for businesses importing and distributing telecommunications equipment, making it mandatory for all affected firms to obtain a Communications Equipment Distributor (CED) Licence before operating.
In a public notice issued on Monday, July 21, the regulator said the new requirement takes immediate effect and is part of reforms under the Revised Telecommunications Market Structure gazetted on March 6, 2026, pursuant to the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA).
“The Authority hereby notifies the current and prospective licensees, industry stakeholders, and the public on the new regulatory requirements with respect to importation and distribution of communications equipment in Kenya,” CA said.
Who is affected?
The new licensing framework applies to businesses involved in importing and wholesale distribution of communications equipment, including mobile phones, routers, modems, switches and other telecommunications devices.
According to the regulator, any company intending to import or distribute such equipment must first obtain a Communications Equipment Distributor Licence.
Once licensed, businesses will be eligible to seek type approval for their equipment from the Communications Authority before processing imports through the government’s TradeNet system.
Why the licence is required
The Communications Authority said the CED licence is now a mandatory requirement for equipment approval and customs clearance.
“Any entity that is interested in the import and wholesale distribution of any communication equipment is required to apply for a Communications Equipment Distributor (CED) licence in order to be able to import and have their equipment type approved by the Authority and cleared in the TradeNet system,” the regulator stated.
The move is intended to strengthen oversight of telecommunications equipment entering the Kenyan market while ensuring imported devices comply with national technical standards.
Existing licensees must also comply
The directive applies not only to new businesses but also to companies already operating under existing licences.
The regulator said firms holding Telecommunications Equipment Contractor (TEC) licences or Vendor Licences must also apply for the new Communications Equipment Distributor Licence if they intend to continue importing or distributing communications equipment.
“Existing licensees with a Telecommunications Equipment Contractor (TEC) or Vendor Licence who want to continue importing or distributing communications equipment are also required to apply, with immediate effect, for a Communications Equipment Distributor (CED) Licence,” the Authority said.
The Communications Authority clarified that existing licences alone will no longer be sufficient for importation and wholesale distribution activities.
How to apply
Businesses seeking the new licence have been advised to visit the Communications Authority’s official website to review the revised telecommunications market structure and licensing requirements.
Applicants can access detailed guidelines under the Market Structure section, where the Authority has published the application requirements and licensing procedures.
The regulator also reminded industry players that compliance with licensing requirements remains mandatory under the Kenya Information and Communications Act and warned that operating without the necessary approvals could attract regulatory action and penalties.
The new framework is expected to enhance accountability in Kenya’s telecommunications sector while ensuring only licensed entities import and distribute communications equipment in the country.
