26/12/2024
Communications Authority Proposes New Cybercafé Licensing Rules
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has invited Kenyans to share their views on proposed changes which, if implemented, could affect the licensing of internet cafés.
In a notice dated December 23, the authority stated that the proposed changes align with the government’s initiative to provide free public Wi-Fi hotspots in public institutions.
“It is notable that there is also a very large number of entities operating as cybercafés nationwide, which pose regulatory challenges that closely mirror those of the ordinary vendor licence category,” read part of the statement.
Currently licenced under a category called Public Communication Access Centre (PCAC) the proposed changes will reintroduce the licence as a CLASS Licence.
Under this licence, new terms and conditions will be introduced if implemented.
For example, cybercafés will be required to install CCTV surveillance in their places of business before they can obtain their licences.
A logging-in software, which is already commonly used, will also be mandatory.
The authority will also require the cafés to maintain record-keeping details, as well as the identification of individuals accessing services at the facilities.
Kenyans wishing to challenge the proposal or offer their views have until January 23 to submit their feedback.
These changes to cybercafé licensing are part of a draft of regulatory reforms undertaken by the CA this year in its efforts to safeguard the ICT sector in Kenya.
In October, the authority announced the revocation of licenses for 426 service providers for non-compliance
269 licenses of Content Service Providers were revoked in addition to 113 Application Service Providers.
