The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has signaled plans to re-model the postal and courier service licensing model, including a substantial increase in the cost of licensing.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, September 16, CA Director General David Mugonyi indicated that the review is guided by the Kenya Information and Communications Act of 1998, which guides players in the communications industry.
The move, says Mugonyi, is to consolidate the courier and postal business into a more efficient, accessible, and competitive business that is also compatible with new business models and new technologies.
The Authority has established a framework for the postal and courier market and application requirements to ease market entry by removing unnecessary red tape and creating a better operating environment,” he added.
Under the reforms, the Authority will update sections of the 2008 framework for the postal and courier market. The review will look at four main areas:
Removing obstacles that have impeded entry into the market.
Including more direct definitions of different licence categories.
Creating new licence categories to accommodate new services.
Updating the law to reflect current ICT policies.
Spectacular Fee Increase
A significant change is a recommended increase of the licensing fee from the existing Ksh50,000 to Ksh1.5 million.
The CA said the realignment is because the original Ksh500,000 fee, set more than 20 years ago, has lost value over the years.
The new legislation will also reduce the lifespan of a licence from 20 years to 15 years, which the regulator indicates will help curb the level of dormant licences.
Public Feedback
The Authority has invited Kenyans to give their views on the proposals by October 15.
Submissions can be done by email at pcm-review@ca.go.ke or in writing, hand-delivered to the CA offices for those who cannot make submissions through electronic means.
Mugonyi indicated the public has an important role in influencing the reforms that will consolidate the industry and spur innovation.
