The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has proposed implementing new permit processing fees on ICT equipment imports, a measure that could raise compliance costs for businesses and impact pricing across Kenya’s digital sector.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, the regulator said the proposed fees would apply to all permits processed via the KenTrade National Electronic Single Window System (NESWS), the platform used by traders to submit import documents.
Under the proposal, the CA plans to charge KSh 15,000 per permit for commercial ICT equipment and KSh 5,000 per permit for personal ICT imports.
The fees will affect a broad range of industries that depend on ICT imports, such as telecommunications, e-commerce, cybersecurity, broadcasting, and courier services.
According to the CAK, the initiative is intended to enhance oversight of ICT equipment entering the country. The authority currently follows a three-step evaluation process—checking, verification, and inspection—to ensure that imported devices comply with Kenya’s technical and safety standards.
The regulator emphasizes that the new fees will help fund this process and limit the entry of substandard or counterfeit ICT products into the local market. Meanwhile, the proposal is expected to raise concerns among importers and technology sector stakeholders, especially as Kenya seeks to boost digital adoption and lower connectivity costs.
The move comes as the government continues efforts to position Kenya as a regional ICT hub, with policies focused on expanding broadband access and enhancing innovation ecosystems. The CA has called on stakeholders—including importers, clearing agents, and ICT companies—to provide feedback on the proposal, with consultations open until April 30.
The proposed fees underscore a broader policy overhaul, balancing stricter regulatory oversight with efforts to sustain growth in the digital economy. If enacted, the charges could enhance regulatory efficiency and improve product standards, though they may also challenge Kenya’s goal of making ICT devices more accessible to businesses and consumers.
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