Communications Authority of Kenya

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is the national regulatory body overseeing Kenya’s communications sector, encompassing telecommunications, broadcasting, postal and courier services, electronic commerce, and cybersecurity. Established in 1999 under the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, the CA operates as an independent government agency under the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.

Core Mandate and Functions

The CA plays a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s digital landscape through the following responsibilities:

• Licensing: Issuing licenses for telecommunications, broadcasting, postal, courier, and related services.

• Spectrum and Numbering Management: Allocating and managing frequency spectrum and numbering resources.

• Cybersecurity Oversight: Developing and managing national cybersecurity frameworks, including the operation of the Kenya National Computer Incident Response Team (KE-CIRT).

• Consumer Protection: Safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring fair competition within the communications sector.

• Universal Service Fund (USF): Administering the USF to promote access to communication services in underserved areas.

• Equipment Type Approval: Approving and certifying communications equipment for use in Kenya.

• Tariff Regulation: Regulating retail and wholesale tariffs for communications services.

• Compliance Monitoring: Ensuring licensees adhere to license terms and legal requirements.

Organizational Structure

The CA is structured into three main directorates:

1. Technical Operations and Compliance: Handles frequency spectrum management, multimedia services, postal and telecom services, cybersecurity, compliance and enforcement, and regional coordination.

2. Market and Consumer Affairs: Focuses on competition management, consumer protection, public education, standards and type approval, and regulatory affairs.

3. Corporate Services and Administration: Manages finance, human resources, ICT, and corporate communications.

Additionally, departments such as the Universal Service Fund, Legal Services, Research and Planning, Supply Chain Management, and Internal Audit report directly to the Director General.

Leadership and Governance

The CA is governed by a Board of Directors, currently chaired by Ms. Mary Mungai, CBS. The Director General, Mr. David Mugonyi, EBS, oversees the Authority’s daily operations. The Board includes representatives from various government ministries and appointed members, ensuring diverse representation.

Strategic Initiatives

The CA’s 5th Strategic Plan (2023–2027) aligns with national and international development frameworks, including Kenya Vision 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Key initiatives under this plan include:

• Digital Infrastructure Expansion: Implementing the National Digital Masterplan 2022–2032 to enhance digital connectivity.

• Cybersecurity Enhancement: Strengthening national cybersecurity measures through KE-CIRT.

• Universal Access: Extending communication services to underserved regions via the USF.

• Regulatory Compliance: Enforcing compliance among service providers, including revoking licenses of non-compliant entities.

Regional Presence

To effectively serve the Kenyan populace, the CA has established regional offices in:

• Nairobi: CA Centre, Waiyaki Way.

• Mombasa: NSSF Building.

• Kisumu: Lake Basin Mall.

• Eldoret: KVDA Plaza.

• Nyeri: Advocates Plaza.

International Collaboration

The CA represents Kenya in various international ICT forums and organizations, including:

• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

• African Telecommunications Union (ATU)

• Universal Postal Union (UPU)

• Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization (CTO)

• East African Communications Organization (EACO)

For more information or to engage with the Communications Authority of Kenya:

• Website: www.ca.go.ke

• Twitter: @CA_Kenya