Details Of New Plans By Government To Tighten Cybercafé Regulations

NAIROBI, Kenya – The government is rolling out new measures to regulate internet cafés and vendors of telecommunications equipment, aiming to enhance oversight and support the growth of the ICT sector.

Under the new proposals published by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), all internet cafés will need to undergo a fresh licensing process.

The current Public Communication Access Centre (PCAC) category will be replaced with a more stringent ‘Internet Cafés’ classification.

The revised framework includes requirements such as logging-in software to monitor user activities and CCTV surveillance within the premises.

“This licence shall be re-introduced, but as a CLASS Licence with licence terms and conditions set by the authority, including provisions for record keeping, logging-in software, CCTV surveillance, as well as identification of persons accessing the service point/facility,” stated CA.

The government’s move is part of a broader effort to establish 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots and set up 1,450 Digital Village Smart Hubs under the ‘National Digital Superhighway Programme’.

These initiatives are designed to increase internet accessibility across the country.

Cybercafés were once central to Kenya’s digital landscape, particularly in the early 2010s.

However, their popularity has waned as internet access has become more widespread, particularly through smartphones.

CA data indicates that smartphones outnumbered feature phones for the first time in 2023, signaling a shift in how Kenyans access the internet.

The government is also proposing stricter regulations for the sale of telecommunications equipment.

A new Telecommunication Equipment Distributor (TED) licence will be introduced for wholesale suppliers, importers, and foreign manufacturers distributing devices locally.

Local manufacturers will be exempt from this licence but must sell only to licensed TEDs.

Additionally, vendors will transition to a CLASS Communications Equipment Vendor (CEV) Licence, which entails fees for application, initial licensing, and annual operation.

This change aims to curb the sale of substandard devices and ensure compliance with local standards.

These proposals, set for public views until January 23, are part of a strategy to bolster compliance and improve quality control within the telecommunications sector.

If adopted, the regulations will take effect in the 2025/2026 financial year.