The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued a directive warning landlord, property managers, and institutions against denying or restricting access to licensed telecommunication service providers within their premises.
In a notice dated Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the Authority said it had received reports that some property owners and institutions are either locking out certain telecom providers or restricting consumer choice by allowing only select providers to operate within their buildings.
“It has come to the attention of the Authority that some private, public entities, and landlords are denying access or limiting access or locking in specific telecommunication service providers and services to their premises,” read part of the notice.
CA Warns Landlords Against Turning Away Licensed Telecom Providers
According to the Authority, consumers and users of communication services have a right to choose their service provider from among the licensed entities, and denying access or limiting access or locking in specific service providers in premises is in violation of the Constitution of Kenya, Chapter Four, Bill of Rights Articles 33, 34 & 35, which guarantee free access to information and communication systems for all members of the public.
Additionally, the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, further prohibits denying access to communication services and mandates providing equal opportunity for access to the same type and quality of service to all customers.
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Citing Sections 84U and 84V of the Act, the Authority emphasized that no licensed operator should be denied access to a customer unless there is a legitimate reason, such as non-payment.
The law also prohibits anti-competitive behavior and requires fair access to services for all customers within a given area.
Regulator Issues Directive to Landlords and Property Owners
To address these issues, the CA directed that:
- Landlords, property owners, and managers must not deny or restrict access to licensed telecommunication service providers. All providers should be given equal opportunity to install and operate services within their premises.
- Only licensed and compliant providers should be engaged. The public is encouraged to consult the Authority’s regularly updated list of licensed entities available at www.ca.go.ke/licensee-register.
- All premises must display valid compliance certificates issued by the CA for the communication services installed on site.
- Property owners must ensure the safety and integrity of telecom infrastructure within their buildings and prevent any vandalism or tampering.
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The Authority stressed that ICT services are vital for national development and must not be compromised by unfair practices or monopolistic control within properties.
“The public is cautioned against procuring services from unlicensed or non-compliant providers, as this undermines service quality and consumer protection,” said the Authority.
The CA further pledged to continue enforcing compliance with telecommunications regulations to protect consumer rights and ensure a level playing field for all licensed operators.
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