The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued a directive targeting fake and substandard digital TV decoders.
In a notice dated Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the Authority stated that the move aims to protect millions of Kenyan households from unreliable broadcasting equipment.
To uphold technical integrity, consumer protection, and regulatory compliance, the Authority has announced strict new rules requiring all Digital Video Broadcasting – Second Generation Terrestrial (DVB-T2) receivers to adhere to these requirements before being approved for sale in the Kenyan market.
“To uphold technical integrity, consumer protection, and regulatory compliance, the Authority has published minimum technical specifications for DVB-T2 receivers, effective July 1, 2025,” read part of the notice.
Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Issues Warning to Companies Selling Fake Decoders
The new regulations require all suppliers and vendors of digital TV receivers to obtain Type Approval before importing, selling, or distributing them in the country. These rules, effective from July 1, 2025, replace earlier specifications issued in 2012 and 2015.
According to CA, all DVB-T2 receivers—including Integrated Receiver Decoders (IRDs), TV sets with integrated IRDs, and Conditional Access Modules (CAMs)—must be Type Approved by the Authority before their importation, sale, or use in Kenya.
Additionally, the Authority stated that entities intending to import, distribute, or sell DVB-T2 receiving devices that are not yet type-approved must submit a Type Approval application, along with the required documentation as indicated on the form, to verify compliance with the new DVB-T2 technical specifications.
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Details of the new specifications are available on the Authority’s website at https://www.ca.go.ke/market-structure, under the Type Approval Specifications tab.
Under the new regulations, DVB-T2 devices must meet minimum technical requirements, enabling them to access all Kenyan Free-to-Air TV and radio services, support both Standard Definition and High Definition broadcasts, and, for advanced models, handle Ultra High Definition signals.
They must also feature subtitles, multiple language options including English and Swahili, and electronic programme guides with at least seven days of scheduling information.
The Authority has set benchmarks for performance and connectivity, including adequate processing power and memory, support for both AC and DC power supplies with standard plugs, and at least one HDMI port for video output.
Devices should also support software upgrades through over-the-air downloads or via USB and other connections to ensure long-term usability and compatibility.
About the Authority
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is the regulatory agency for the ICT industry in Kenya, responsible for telecommunications, cybersecurity, e-commerce, broadcasting, and postal/courier services.
The CA manages the country’s numbering and spectrum resources, administers the Universal Service Fund (USF), and safeguards the interests of ICT users.
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Additionally, it facilitates ICT trade by clearing permits for type-approved imported equipment through the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) National Single Window System (TradeNet System/Trade Facilitation Platform).
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