NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA) has proposed a sweeping overhaul of the licensing framework for telecommunications professionals, introducing rules to restrict certain technical jobs to locals.
The move, part of the regulator’s strategy to safeguard local employment, includes merging outdated licensing categories and expanding recognition for tech specialists in related fields.
The standout proposal? Only Kenyan citizens and permanent residents will qualify for telecommunications technical licenses. This restriction aims to prioritize locals for technical installation and maintenance roles, previously open to foreign professionals.
“Only Kenyan citizens and holders of permanent residency visas shall be eligible to apply for telecommunications technical personnel licenses,” the proposal reads. This exclusivity underscores the regulator’s commitment to fostering local talent in a competitive market.
In cases involving prior learning, the CA has left room for flexibility. Applicants with verifiable skills and expertise can apply under Kenya’s recognition of prior learning framework, providing pathways for experienced professionals to join the sector.
Gone are the days of splitting licenses into separate categories for internal wiring and external technical works.
The CA has deemed the old system obsolete, noting that advancements like optical fiber technology have rendered traditional copper wiring and wireless infrastructure largely redundant.
Under the proposed framework, technicians will receive a unified license that covers installation, support, and maintenance of Internet Protocol (IP) networks—a shift designed to align with modern telecommunications needs.
The CA explains that most technical work now revolves around Local Area Networks (LANs) and IP-based systems, areas where expertise in IT and related fields is increasingly crucial.
The current licensing structure has often overlooked technical professionals with IT, electrical, or electronics engineering backgrounds, leaving many skilled individuals without proper credentials. The CA aims to fix this by introducing a tiered licensing system:
- Class A: Degree holders
- Class B: Diploma holders
- Class C: Certificate holders
Fees for this system are modest, with an application costing KSh 500, an initial license fee of KSh 1,000, and an annual operating fee of KSh 500. Each license will be valid for ten years, ensuring long-term value for professionals entering the field.
The Road Ahead
With these changes, the CA hopes to nurture local talent while modernizing its licensing processes to reflect industry trends. These measures are set to create a fairer, more inclusive framework for telecommunications professionals.
