Kenya - Apply for a Telecommunication license

ProcedureEdit

The licensing process commences with the submission of a duly completed application form. Application forms are available for download at the License Application Forms on the website page Communication Authority of Kenya. Link

Within the form, details of the minimum requirements for acceptance of an application for each type of license and applicable fees are available. Generally, all applicants for Telecommunication commercial licenses should meet the following minimum conditions:

The entity should be registered in Kenya as a company, sole proprietor or partnership.
Have a duly registered office and permanent premises in Kenya.
Provide details of shareholders and directors.
Issue at least 20% of its shares to Kenyans on or before the end of three years after receiving a license.
Provide evidence of compliance with tax requirement.

For ordinary vendor applicants, the requirements are:

A letter signed by company CEO, on company letter-head, asking for authorization to sell low power equipment.
The letter must provide contact details such as physical and postal address, telephone numbers, emails etc. for the company.
Indicate the type and model of equipment to be sold.
Attach company Certificate of Incorporation or registration certificate copy to the letter.
Attach copy of the company PIN Certificate.

An application is deemed received when the Authority accepts the application fees and issues a receipt. Applications sent by post are logged in as letters until or unless the applicable license application fee is received.

Once an application is accepted, it undergoes processing, which may include publication in the Kenya Gazette in accordance with the law. At the conclusion of the licensing process, an applicant is advised of the outcome in writing.

Post-licensing issues

If CAK approves an application for a Telecommunications license, the applicant is required to take up the offer within six (6) months, failure to which he/she may be required to apply afresh if still interested.
On taking up the offer, 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 CA before they are activated. Further, CAK inspects all networks before they are put into operation.
Telecommunications licenses relate to operational authorization, which allows licensees to set-up systems, and/or provide services to third parties. These licenses are not tied to any roll-out resources such as radio spectrum, numbering (including ENAM) and/or way-leaves. Investors are advised to seek for such resources separately after they are granted a relevant operational license.
Investors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with licensing terms and conditions available on sample licenses posted at License Application Forms section of the website page.

Required DocumentsEdit

To register for telecommunication Class license there are basic documents and requirement you must have.They include the followings:

Bank Draft
Obtain a bank draft of Ksh.,500 payable to The Communication Authority of Kenya for the form. (The Authoritys name must be written in full on the draft)
Fill the application form and produce two more copies.
Attach the following documents :
Certificate of Incorporation
Tax Clearance Certificate but if it is a new Company, a tax waiver letter should be obtained and attached to the submission.
Certified true copy of Articles and Memorandum of Association
2 passport photographs of authorized representative
Certificate of qualified technical staff. (if applicable)
Completed application should be submitted in duplicate with all necessary documents attached and bound
License fee on submission of application is Ksh,500
All payments are in bank draft

The requirements for an Individual Licence are

Bank Draft
Obtain a bank draft of 5,00 payable to To register for telecommunication Class license there are basic documents and requirement you must have.They include the followings:
Fill the application form and produce two more copies.
Attach the following documents :
Certificate of Incorporation
Tax Clearance Certificate but if it is a new Company, a tax waiver letter should be obtained and attached to the submission.
Certified true copy of Articles and Memorandum of Association
2 passport photographs of authorized representative
Certificate of qualified technical staff. (if applicable)
Completed application should be submitted in duplicate with all necessary documents attached and bound
License fee on submission of application is Ksh,500
All payments are in bank draft

Office Locations & ContactsEdit

Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) - Head Office
CA Centre, Waiyaki Way
P.O Box: 14448-00800,
Nairobi
Mobile: 0703 042000, 0730 172000
Email: [email protected]
CAK Contact Details & Office Location
Website

EligibilityEdit

All Individual or companies interested in the Kenya Telecommunications industry and other related communication products in Kenya.
All investors who wish to land a submarine cable in Kenya and have a Submarine Cable Land license are eligible.
while those interested in building system for the provision of international voice or data services are required are also Eligible provided they have got a license for international Systems and Services.

FeesEdit

Explain the fees structure which is required for obtaining the certificate/document.

ValidityEdit

The license is valid for a period of 2 years.

Documents to UseEdit

Please attach documents that can be used by people. e.g. links

Sample DocumentsEdit

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing TimeEdit

According to the provision of the National Telecommunication Regulatory Act 2003, an applicant must receive a response with respect to licence application within 90 days of the submission of the application.

However for Class Licence, once your application is complete, you get your offer letter immediately. For individual licence, depending on the service and completeness of required information, the conclusion of the process takes between 4?8 weeks.

InstructionsEdit

The Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK), is the body in Kenya that has a statutory responsibility of regulating and controlling the telecommunications industry.

CAK is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and strategies with respect to telecommunications services in Kenya.

The Authority licenses, telecommunications operators, service providers monitor their performance on a continuous basis to ensure that they discharge the obligations as stipulated in their licenses and are adhering to the provisions of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998 and the Kenya Communications Regulations, 2001.

The Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK)with a mandate to efficiently manage, plan, coordinate, allocate, assign, register, monitor and use the available resources national resources in the communications sub-sector, including but not limited to frequency spectrum, numbers and electronic addresses, and also promote and safeguard national interests, safety and security in the use of the said scarce national resources.

All Companies applying for a license must be registered with The Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK)

Required InformationEdit

The key information required is as follows

1. A duly registered office and permanent premises.

2. A details of shareholders and directors of Organization / Company.

3. Completed application form.

4. Certificate of Incorporation with the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK), if a company.

5. Certified true copy of memorandum & Articles of Association.

6. Tax Clearance Certificate

7. A duly completed application form

8. Information on a random sample of the equipment that was done and a technical and conformity tests that was conducted by CAK .

9. Applicable fees

10.Name of Applicant (or Authorized Representative)

11.Evidence of compliance with tax requirement.

Need for the DocumentEdit

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and strategies with respect to telecommunications services in Kenya.