The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued new requirements for vendors involved in the sale of low-power electronic communication equipment to the public, introducing compliance measures for businesses dealing in devices such as phones and other approved communication equipment.
Under the new Communication Equipment Vendor Class License, eligible entities must meet specific conditions before selling electronic communication equipment in Kenya. The license is issued under the Kenya Information and Communications Act (Cap. 411A) and applicable regulations, allowing licensed vendors to sell communication devices to consumers while ensuring compliance with quality, consumer protection and safety standards.
The directive requires vendors to be duly registered as business entities in Kenya before engaging in the sale of electronic communication equipment. Sellers are also required to source devices only from licensed Communications Equipment Distributors (CEDs).
New Requirements for Refurbished Devices and Minimum Warranty Cover
The directive introduces specific requirements for refurbished electronic communication equipment sold in the Kenyan market. Vendors must ensure that every refurbished device is clearly and permanently labeled as “Refurbished” on its packaging in a manner visible to customers.
All electronic communication equipment sold by licensed vendors must have a minimum warranty period of one year, together with a return policy. Vendors are also required to provide after-sales services during the warranty period in collaboration with a licensed Communications Equipment Distributor.
“Ensure that all electronic communications equipment it sells in the Kenyan market shall have at a minimum, a warranty period of one (1) year with a return policy,” the regulation stated.
The CA requires sellers to establish customer support services to assist buyers with questions relating to products, services and other reasonable concerns. Vendors must also put in place a mechanism for handling customer complaints.
In addition, sellers are required to provide consumers with information on environmentally sound disposal of electronic communication equipment as guided by the Authority.
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CA Only Approved Devices Allowed for Sale
The CA directive requires all electronic communication equipment sold by licensed vendors to have been type approved, type accepted or exempted from type approval by the Authority in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
Vendors are prohibited from selling high-power radio communication equipment, including VSAT, VHF, UHF and HF equipment, as well as special telecommunications equipment such as Private Branch Exchanges (PABX), unless they hold the separate licenses required for such devices.
“Not sell high power radio-communication apparatus including but not limited to VSAT, VHF, UHF, HF and special telecommunications electronic communications equipment such as Private Branch Exchanges (PABX), all of which require a separate license,” the authority stated.
For businesses operating online outlets, the directive requires them to provide a verifiable physical address, email address and phone number to enable customers to easily access support services. Vendors selling through physical or online platforms must also issue official receipts for every sale.
The receipts must include key details such as the name of the licensee, the model of the electronic communication equipment sold, the serial number, and the warranty period.
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Monitoring and Compliance Requirements
Further, the Authority stated that it will monitor compliance with the license requirements and may access vendors’ premises, systems, records, and equipment for inspection, audit, or investigation purposes.
Licensed vendors are required to retain all records relevant to compliance with the license for at least three years from the date of creation. They must also comply with directives issued by the Authority and submit reports whenever requested.
The directive further requires all advertising and marketing materials related to equipment features, performance and network compatibility to be accurate and verifiable.
CA said the license framework is intended to regulate the sale of communication equipment by ensuring that devices entering the Kenyan market meet approval requirements while providing consumers with access to reliable products, warranties and support services.
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