Safaricom PLC has applied to renew two major licences that are critical to its operations.
According to a public notice from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), led by Director General David Mugonyi, which was published in the Gazette on Friday, November 21, 2025, Safaricom is seeking renewal of the following licences:
- Network Facilities Provider – Tier 1 (NFP-T1)
- International Gateway Operator (IGSS)
“NOTICE is given that the following applicant has, pursuant to the provisions of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, made applications to the Communications Authority of Kenya for renewal of the licences as shown in the Table below:
Applicant Name
Safaricom PLC
P.O. Box 66827-00800, Nairobi,” read the notice.
Following the details of the application, the CA highlighted that, if renewed, the licences will allow Safaricom to continue offering network infrastructure services and operate international communication gateways, services that significantly influence Kenya’s mobile, internet, and global connectivity.
Safaricom Applies for Renewal of Two Key Licenses
The CA has cautioned that the renewal of these licenses may affect the public, local authorities, companies, persons, or bodies of persons within the country, and other institutions, making public participation mandatory.
As such, the authority has opened a 30-day window for any individual or organisation wishing to oppose or comment on Safaricom’s application.
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Anyone with a representation or objection is required to submit a written letter addressed to the Director-General of the Communications Authority of Kenya at:
The Director-General,
Communications Authority of Kenya,
CA Centre, Waiyaki Way,
P.O. Box 14448–00800, Nairobi.
Submissions must clearly indicate the relevant licence being addressed.
The CA also stated that objections must be filed within 30 days from the date of publication, and a copy will be forwarded to Safaricom.
About Network Facilities Provider – Tier 1
The Network Facilities Provider – Tier 1 (NFP-T1) license is the highest level of network licensing offered by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). It is designed for major telecommunications companies operating on a national scale.
Its purpose is to build, own, and operate communications infrastructure, such as cell towers, fibre-optic cables, and data centres, across Kenya, with nationwide coverage.
Its key benefit is enabling access to the national radio spectrum, which comprises the airwaves used for mobile phone services such as 4G/5G.
This license enables operators to set up telecommunications systems and provide services to third parties. Licensees often also obtain Application Service Provider (ASP) and Content Service Provider (CSP) licenses to offer a full range of services like voice, data, and value-added content.
About International Gateway Operator (IGSS)
The International Gateway Systems and Services (IGSS) license, issued by the CA, permits the management of Kenya’s connection to the global telecommunications network.
It allows a company to act as the “gatekeeper” for international traffic entering and leaving the country.
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The IGSS license is primarily intended for major telecommunications providers, like the large mobile network operators and Tier 1 Network Facilities Providers, who need to manage their own direct international links.
This license is crucial for facilitating all types of international communication, including voice calls and internet data.
Some of its features include international connectivity, where this license authorizes the establishment and operation of systems that link Kenya to other countries, and traffic management, where the licensee’s switching and network control centres must be located within Kenya.
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