The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is proposing a new licensing framework to address the telecommunications industry’s evolving demands.
Under the proposed guidelines, only Kenyan citizens and permanent residents will be eligible to apply for telecommunications technical personnel licenses.
According to the Authority in its latest review of the sector market structure, the proposed measures will protect such jobs for locals.
“Only Kenyan citizens and holders of permanent residency visas shall be eligible to apply for telecommunications technical personnel licence.
“The Authority will also consider applications that can sufficiently demonstrate knowledge and experience as guided by the country’s Recognition of Prior Learning framework,” the proposal reads in part.
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Kenyans Without Formal Education to be Considered
However, the Authority will also be considering applicants who can demonstrate relevant knowledge and experience through the country’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework under the proposal.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process through which the skills, knowledge, and competencies gained by an individual through work experience, informal training, or life experiences are recognized towards the attainment of a formal qualification or certification.
This means that Kenyans without formal education but with relevant work experience will be eligible to apply for the jobs.
Also, in its proposal, the CA suggests integrating various categories of technical personnel under a unified license
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“It is proposed that the authority absorbs these categories of technical personnel and issue them with a licence that allows them to carry out installation, support, and maintenance of IP networks being built by our licensees,” added CA.
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CA Details Reasons for the Move
The proposed changes are meant to align the licensing framework with the realities of a rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape.
The CA noted that the existing categorization of technical personnel is outdated, having been developed during an era when copper-wired and wireless communication infrastructure dominated.
Today, optical fibre technologies have largely replaced these systems, necessitating a more adaptable approach. However, the existing licensing framework excludes many professionals with Information Technology (IT) and related backgrounds, despite their relevant skills and training.
The CA has identified this exclusion as a significant barrier, describing it as a “major hindrance” for technical personnel applicants.
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