Communications Authority Proposes New Processing Fees for Electronic Imports

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued a formal notice of its intention to introduce new permit processing fees targeting all Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment entering the country. The proposed levies will apply to all applications submitted through the KenTrade National Electronic Single Window System (NESWS), marking a shift from the current model where these specific administrative checks are conducted at no direct cost to the importer.

According to a consultation paper released on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the regulator intends to implement a tiered pricing structure based on the intended use of the equipment. Commercial ICT imports, which encompass everything from retail smartphones to large-scale telecommunications infrastructure, will attract a processing fee of KES 15,000 per permit. Individuals importing electronics for personal use will be required to pay a fee of KES 5,000 per permit.

Director General David Mugonyi noted that the fees are necessary to sustain the authority’s rigorous evaluation process. This oversight involves a three-stage workflow consisting of document checking, compliance verification, and physical equipment inspection. These measures are designed to ensure that all imported technology meets local technical standards and to prevent the influx of counterfeit or substandard electronic goods into the Kenyan market.

The scope of the new directive is broad, affecting importers, exporters, customs clearing agents, and licensees. Under the National Electronic Single Window System Act, the platform serves as the primary digital gateway for trade documentation. By embedding the fee into this system, the CA aims to formalize the gatekeeping process for all ICT hardware, ranging from basic routers and modems to complex broadcast transmitters and network base stations.

Industry analysts have noted that the flat-fee approach for commercial permits may present challenges for smaller vendors. Under the current proposal, a small-scale retailer importing a dozen mobile handsets would be subject to the same KES 15,000 permit fee as a major telecommunications firm importing high-value infrastructure. This has raised questions regarding the proportionality of the costs relative to the volume and value of the goods being cleared.

The regulator has emphasized that the introduction of these charges is linked to the need for operational efficiency and the maintenance of ICT integrity within the country. The fees will be non-refundable and must be paid at the point of application through the TradeNet platform. This move follows previous regulatory tightening, including the mandatory disclosure of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers for all mobile devices to enhance tax compliance.

Stakeholders and members of the public have been invited to review the proposal and provide feedback. The CA has opened a public consultation window, allowing for written representations to be submitted until April 30, 2026. Submissions are to be directed to the authority’s designated electronic channels for review before a final decision on the implementation of the fee schedule is reached.

The authority maintains that these regulatory updates are vital for protecting the consumer landscape. By verifying the type-approval status of every device against the national database, the regulator hopes to eliminate gray-market products that often bypass safety and quality benchmarks.