NAIROBI, Kenya — The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has unveiled sweeping reforms in the postal and courier services sector, including a sharp rise in licensing fees from Sh50,000 to Sh1.5 million, as part of efforts to modernise the industry and enhance competition.
The overhaul, announced on Tuesday, September 16, aligns with the Kenya Information and Communications Act of 1998 and marks the most significant restructuring of the sector in nearly two decades.
CA Director General David Mugonyi said the reforms are designed to address operational challenges, embrace innovation, and create a fairer market environment.
“The Authority has established a postal and courier market structure and application requirements, which are instruments in providing market access to the regulated postal and courier industry in Kenya,” Mugonyi said.
“This market structure was considered critical towards simplifying and facilitating market entry by minimising regulatory requirements and processes while improving the operating environment,” he added.
Key Changes in the Postal and Courier Reforms
- Licensing fee: Increased from Sh50,000 to Sh1.5 million, citing inflation and the need to reflect current market realities.
- Licence validity: Reduced from 20 years to 15 years to curb dormant licences and promote active participation.
- New licence categories: Introduced to accommodate emerging technologies and service models in line with ICT policy.
- Regulatory clarity: Clearer definitions for licences to reduce disputes and operational grey areas.
The CA noted that the existing framework, established in 2008, was outdated and no longer fit to support growth in an era of digital commerce, logistics innovation, and increased competition from global players.
Public Participation Invited
To ensure inclusivity, the Authority has opened a public consultation window. Stakeholders can submit feedback by email to pcm-review@ca.go.ke by October 15, 2025, or send written responses directly to CA offices.
The reforms come amid rising demand for efficient courier services in Kenya, driven by e-commerce growth and digital trade.
Industry observers say the higher entry fee could attract serious investors but may also lock out smaller players unless mitigated by new licensing categories.
