Suspended Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Director General (DG) Ezra Chiloba issued a warning to unlicensed internet and communications system providers before his ouster.
In a notice on Tuesday September 19, Chiloba stated that it is an offence for anyone to provide communication services without being duly licensed.
In the advert, the DG explained that this is the responsibility of the CAK under the Kenya Information & Communications Act, 1998.
”It has come to the notice of the Authority that certain entities, including individuals, are providing internet services, installing communication systems, and providing postal/courier services without requisite licenses,” said Chiloba.
Further, Chiloba advised members of the public that obtaining services from compliant licenses provides significantly better customer experience in terms of quality services and robust consumer protection.
Also, CA guided that those cases of suspected illegal service providers be reported to it through [email protected] for investigation.
“Further, the Authority would like to advise the public of the importance of procuring communications services from duly licensed service providers in possession of valid annual compliance certificates.
For the avoidance of doubt the current year’s compliance certificates pertain to the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024,” he said.
Also Read: Ezra Chiloba Suspended as Communications Authority Boss
Additionally, Chiloba said the list of licensed telecommunication service providers and postal/courier service providers can be found on CA website https://www.ca.go.ke/licensee-register.
Moreover, investors interested in providing communication services in Kenya were advised to download the relevant Application Forms from the Authority’s website: https://www.ca.go.ke/icense-application-forms-fees complete and submit for consideration.
“The application forms detail the requirements for each licence category, and applicable regulatory fees,” stated Chiloba.
CA Mandate
The CA is the regulatory agency for the ICT industry in Kenya with responsibilities in telecommunications, ecommerce, broadcasting, and postal/courier services.
Also, CA is responsible for managing the country’s numbering and frequency spectrum resources, administering the Universal Service Fund (USF) as well as safeguarding the interests of consumers/users of ICT services.
Chiloba on Compliance Renewal
CA noted that the issued licenses come with terms and conditions aimed at facilitating provision of innovative and high-quality services.
Chiloba said the license conditions provide for quarterly and annual submission of compliance returns for licensees to obtain an Annual Compliance Certificate.
“We wish to remind ALL Licensees that the deadline for submission of annual compliance returns is July 15 of every year to facilitate issuance of Annual Compliance Certificates (ACC).
We acknowledge that quite a high percentage of our licensees have complied with this requirement,” he said.
Also Read: Chiloba Roots for Safer Internet Use
In addition, CA reminded ICT Licensees who have not submitted ACC for the fiscal year 2022/2023 to do so before September 30,2023.
“The Authority hereby reminds the remaining ICT licensees who are yet to submit their Compliance Returns relating to the fiscal year 2022/23 and the subsequent renewal of Annual Compliance Certificate for the financial year 2023/24 that they should submit them to the Authority NOT later than September 30, 2023,” he stated.
According to the DG, failure to submit the returns will result in the Authority taking necessary enforcement action which includes necessary penalties or revocation of licenses.
CA Suspends Chiloba
The CA board suspended Chiloba as the Authority’s DG without disclosing reasons behind his ouster.
Further, the board appointed Director Corporate Communications, Christopher Wambua, as the acting DG.
