Details: Ezra Chiloba's Warning To WiFi Providers Before Suspension
CA is the regulatory agency for the ICT industry in Kenya with responsibilities in telecommunications, e-commerce, broadcasting and postal/courier services.
admin
Embattled Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) Director General Ezra Chiloba had cautioned illegal internet and communication systems providers in the country before he was suspended on Monday, September 18.
In a notice, Chiloba noted that it was an offence for anyone to provide communication services of any nature without a licence as CA is the regulatory agency for the ICT industry in Kenya with responsibilities in telecommunications, e-commerce, broadcasting and postal/courier services.
CA is also responsible for managing the country’s numbering and frequency spectrum resources, administering the Universal Service Fund (USF) as well as safeguarding the interests of consumers/users of ICT services.
"It has come to the notice of the Authority that certain entities, including individuals, are providing Internet services, installing communication systems and providing postal/courier services without requisite licenses.
An image of WiFi routers on display. /USATODAY
"The Authority would like to remind the public that under the Kenya Information & Communications Act, 1998, it is an offence for anyone to provide communication services without being duly licensed," he warned in the notice.
The act imposes a Ksh300,000 fine, one-year imprisonment, or both for anyone found offering postal services without a license.
Chiloba had advised members of the public of the importance of procuring communications services from duly licensed service providers in possession of valid annual compliance certificates.
CA had furthermore guided that, cases of suspected illegal service providers be reported to it through [email protected] for investigation.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the current year’s compliance certificates pertain to the period 1st July 2023 to 30th June 2024.
"Members of the public are further advised that obtaining services from compliant licensees provides significantly better customer experience in terms of quality services and robust consumer protection," added the notice.
Chiloba further stated that the list of licensed telecommunication service providers and postal/courier service providers can be found on our website at the following link: https://www.ca.go.ke/licensee-register. Compliant licensees can be verified with the Authority at any time.
Investors interested in providing communication services in Kenya are advised to download the relevant Application Forms from the Authority’s website: https://www.ca.go.ke/license-application-forms-fees complete and submit them for consideration.
"The application forms detail the requirements for each licence category and applicable regulatory fees," added the embattled CA boss.
Chiloba on Compliance Renewal
CA noted that the issued licenses come with terms and conditions aimed at facilitating the provision of innovative and high-quality services, adding that the license conditions provide for quarterly and annual submission of compliance returns for licensees to obtain an Annual Compliance Certificate.
“We wish to remind ALL Licensees that the deadline for submission of annual compliance returns is July 15 of every year to facilitate issuance of Annual Compliance Certificates (ACC).
"We acknowledge that quite a high percentage of our licensees have complied with this requirement,” he continued.
In addition, CA reminded ICT Licensees who have not submitted ACC for the fiscal year 2022/2023 to do so before September 30, 2023.
“The Authority hereby reminds the remaining ICT licensees who are yet to submit their Compliance Returns relating to the fiscal year 2022/23 and the subsequent renewal of Annual Compliance Certificate for the financial year 2023/24 that they should submit them to the Authority NOT later than September 30, 2023,” he stated.
According to the DG, failure to submit the returns will result in the Authority taking necessary enforcement action which includes necessary penalties or revocation of licenses.
Back in August 2023, Chiloba partnered with the Ministry of Education to sensitize the public on emerging issues such as Child Online Protection through music.
This was as stakeholders at the Kenya National Music Festival at Dedan Kimathi University advocated for the safety of children across the country with the widespread use of the internet.
