NAIROBI, Kenya — The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has introduced a new Communications Equipment Distributor (CED) License, making it mandatory for all businesses importing and distributing communications equipment in the country to obtain the license before operating.
In a public notice issued on July 21, the regulator said the requirement follows the Revised Telecommunications Market Structure, which was gazetted on March 6, 2026, under the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA), Cap. 411A.
“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,” the CA said.
The new licensing framework applies to businesses importing and distributing communications equipment such as mobile phones, routers, modems, switches, and other telecommunications devices on a wholesale basis.
Under the new regulations, entities seeking to import or distribute such equipment must first obtain a Communications Equipment Distributor (CED) License.
Once licensed, they will be eligible to have their products type-approved by the Communications Authority and processed through the government’s TradeNet system for import clearance.
The regulator explained that the new license is now a prerequisite 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) license in order to be able to import and have their equipment type approved by the Authority and cleared in the TradeNet system,” the notice stated.
The directive affects both new entrants and existing players in the telecommunications equipment market.
Businesses currently operating under a Telecommunications Equipment Contractor (TEC) license or a Vendor License are also required to obtain the new CED license if they wish to continue importing or distributing communications equipment.
The Communications Authority said the requirement takes effect immediately, meaning existing licensees can no longer rely solely on their current licenses for importation and wholesale distribution activities.
“Existing licensees with a Telecommunications Equipment Contractor (TEC) or Vendor License who want to continue importing or distributing communications equipment are also required to apply, with immediate effect, for a Communications Equipment Distributor (CED) License,” the Authority said.
The CA has directed interested applicants to review the revised market structure and licensing requirements on its official website under the Market Structure section.
The Authority also reminded industry players that operating without the required licenses could attract penalties under the Kenya Information and Communications Act.
While the Act specifically provides penalties for unlicensed broadcasting services, the regulator emphasized that compliance with licensing requirements across the communications sector remains mandatory.
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