CA Issues New Directives For ICT Product Importers

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued new guidelines for importers of ICT products and systems to enhance trade facilitation and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

In a notice issued on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, CA Director General David Mugonyi emphasized that the Authority is responsible for protecting consumer rights in the communications sector, ensuring fair competition, and processing import permits through the government’s National Electronic Single Window System.

To streamline the importation process, all importers of ICT products intended for sale must hold the necessary licenses related to the products they are bringing into the country.

Additionally, they must attach a valid compliance certificate corresponding to their license when applying for an importation permit.

“The attached invoice for the ICT products being imported must include the model number and quantity to confirm the Type Approval status of the products and facilitate inspection and release from customs,” Mugonyi stated.

Importers are encouraged to verify whether their ICT equipment has been type-approved by cross-referencing the list available on the CA website (https://www.ca.go.ke/licensee-register) and attaching a screenshot of the approved model.

For internet-enabled devices intended for sale, importers must provide technical specifications confirming compliance with IPv6 requirements, as outlined in the Authority’s IPv6 Migration Strategy.

The Authority also noted that additional information may be requested on a case-by-case basis, particularly for non-Type Approved ICT products imported for non-commercial use.