The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has introduced a Communications Equipment Distributor (CED) licence, which is mandatory for anyone importing and distributing communications equipment into the country.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The CA made this announcement through a public notice dated July 21, as seen by  Kenyans.co.ke , explaining that the requirement follows the Revised Telecommunications Market Structure gazetted on March 6. “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,” stated the notice in part.

This means businesses that bring in phones, routers, modems, and other telecom gear will need to secure this new licence before they can operate legally.

Under the new rules, any entity wishing to import or distribute communications equipment on a wholesale basis must first apply for the CED licence. Once licensed, such entities will be able to have their equipment type-approved by the Authority and cleared through the TradeNet system. “ Following the Revised Telecommunications Market Structure that was gazetted through Gazette Notice Number 3335 on March 6th, 2026, pursuant to the Kenya Information and Communications Act, Cap. 411A, 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) licence 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.

📌 What You Need to Know

Of note, this CA requirement applies not only to new vendors in the business but also to existing industry players.

Interestingly, this requirement applies not only to new players entering the market for the first time.

This implies that even businesses that already hold a Telecommunications Equipment Contractor (TEC) licence or a vendor licence must now apply for the CED licence to continue importing or distributing equipment.

The CA was categorical that this applies with immediate effect, meaning existing licensees cannot continue operating under their old licences alone.

“ 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,” stressed CA.

Interested parties can find this information on the CA website, specifically at  www.ca.go.ke/market-structure , where the entire market structure has been broken down.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke