The Kenyan government is set to introduce a range of new regulations aimed at enhancing the monitoring and regulation of cybercafes and mobile device sales in the country. The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) published these proposals in December 2024, with a focus on streamlining the licensing process and tackling regulatory challenges posed by the growing ICT sector.
Under the new proposals, all cybercafes operating in Kenya will be required to obtain a fresh licence and adhere to more stringent conditions. The proposed regulations include the installation of CCTV surveillance systems within the premises, as well as the implementation of logging-in software to monitor user activity. This would allow authorities to track users’ actions, messages, and events occurring while using the computers at the café. In addition, cybercafés will need to identify individuals accessing their services, ensuring a higher level of accountability. These measures are being introduced under the broader umbrella of the government’s ‘National Digital Superhighway Programme’, which plans to install 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots and build digital hubs across the country.
Despite the rise of mobile internet use and the widespread availability of smartphones, cybercafés continue to serve specific demographic groups, particularly in rural areas. However, their popularity has waned, as smartphones have become more ubiquitous, especially with the increasing use of mobile internet. As of 2023, smartphones outnumbered feature phones in Kenya for the first time, with over 32 million smartphones in circulation.
In tandem with these cybercafe regulations, CA is also tightening rules around the sale of telecommunications equipment, including mobile phones. New proposals call for a Telecommunications Equipment Distributor (TED) licence for all wholesale suppliers and importers of devices, ensuring compliance with local industry standards. Additionally, phone vendors will be required to pay application, licence, and operating fees, depending on their turnover.
These regulations, which are open for public comment until January 23, 2025, are expected to be implemented in the 2025/2026 financial year, as part of the CA’s efforts to foster a more regulated and secure ICT market in Kenya.
