Quick answer
Homologation service in Kenya?
CAK Type Approval is the regulatory Homologation approval required for communications equipment intended to be imported, sold, supplied, distributed, connected or used in Kenya. The approval is issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya, commonly referred to online as CA or CAK.
In practice, manufacturers and importers should confirm the equipment category, prepare the technical file, pay the official CA fee, submit the application, respond to technical queries and obtain a provisional or final type approval certificate before commercial distribution or deployment.
Authority
CA Kenya
Communications Authority of Kenya.
Typical file
Per model
Model changes may require fresh approval.
Core reports
RF / EMC / Safety
SAR, IPv6 and RoHS may also apply.
Official fees
KES 500–20,000
Depends on category and commercial use.
Scope
Who needs Type Approval in Kenya?
You should seek Homologation type approval where your equipment is designed to send, receive, process, route, broadcast, connect to or inter-work with a communications network in Kenya. This includes equipment intended for sale, lease, resale, business deployment, network use or private importation.
Important: Type approval is generally done once for each model. However, where the model, design or technical specification changes, the equipment may need to be re-submitted for approval.
Wireless & RF
RF modules, Wi-Fi devices, Mi-Fi, CPEs, RFID, NFC, LoRaWAN, trackers and other radio-enabled equipment.
Mobile & telecom
Feature phones, smartphones, satellite phones, IP phones, push-to-talk radios, two-way radios and DECT phones.
Network equipment
Routers, switches, modems, gateways, servers, firewalls, access points, repeaters, PABX, OLT and ONT equipment.
Device categories
Equipment that commonly requires CAK Homologation
CA’s current application form groups equipment into practical technical categories. The right classification matters because it affects the technical file, test report expectations, sample handling and official fee category.
| Category |
Examples |
Common compliance focus |
| RF Modules |
Short range devices, IoT modules, Mi-Fis, CPEs |
RF, EMC, safety, RoHS, IPv6 where applicable |
| Telematic Devices |
Trackers, LoRaWAN devices |
RF bands, power, EMC, device labelling |
| Mobile Phones and Radios |
Smartphones, feature phones, satellite phones, push-to-talk radios, two-way radios, IP phones |
RF, SAR, safety, IPv6, charger/accessory compliance |
| Networking Equipment |
Routers, switches, servers, firewalls, access points, modems, gateways, Wi-Fi repeaters, PABX, OLT, ONT |
EMC, safety, IPv6, technical specifications |
| Satellite Network Equipment |
VSAT, BUC, LNB, satellite terminals |
Satellite bands, RF reports, network compatibility |
| GSM / Broadcast / Microwave |
GSM repeaters, RRUs, eNodeBs, 5G NR, FM transmitters, DAB transmitters, digital TV transmitters, STL, encoders/decoders |
Spectrum, RF, interference, licence alignment |
Documents
Requirements for CAK Type Approval in Kenya
A strong submission starts with a complete technical file. Missing agency letters, poor model identification, incomplete RF/EMC/Safety reports or unclear manufacturer documentation are common causes of avoidable delay.
- Completed CA type approval application form.
- Letter of agency from the manufacturer or distributor.
- Where issued by a distributor, delegation letters linking the distributor to the manufacturer.
- Technical specifications on manufacturer documentation, letterhead, logo or branding.
- User manual in English.
- Declaration of Conformity from the manufacturer.
- RF test reports in English, where applicable.
- EMC test reports in English.
- Health and safety / SAR test reports, where applicable.
- IPv6 and RoHS reports or declarations, where applicable.
- Evidence of laboratory accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 from an ILAC signatory body.
- Payment details for the non-refundable official CA fee.
- Sample equipment, accessories and attachments where required.
- Clear brand name, model number, marketing name and manufacturer details.
Sample caution: Where CA requires a sample, it should be in good working condition, properly configured, complete with adapters/accessories and clearly marked with trade name, model and serial/IMEI number. CA’s form also notes that the Authority is not obliged to return samples and that some testing may be destructive.
Procedure
How to apply for Type Approval in Kenya
Confirm whether the device needs approval
Start by checking the model, radio technologies, interfaces, frequencies, network use and intended commercial or non-commercial use in Kenya.
Classify the equipment correctly
Identify the correct equipment category: RF module, telematic device, mobile phone/radio, networking equipment, satellite equipment, microwave radio, GSM equipment, transmitter or broadcast network equipment.
Build the technical file
Compile the application form, agency letter, technical specifications, manuals, DoC, RF/EMC/Safety/SAR/IPv6/RoHS reports and lab accreditation evidence.
Confirm official fee and sample position
Confirm the applicable CA fee category and whether CA requires a physical sample. Payments are non-refundable and should be made through the official channels required by CA.
Submit the application and respond to queries
Submit the complete file and respond quickly to any technical clarification, sample, lab report or manufacturer authorization query.
Obtain certificate and verify approval status
Keep the certificate on file and verify the device approval status before importation, distribution, sale or deployment in Kenya.
Costs
CAK Type Approval fees in Kenya
Official CA type approval fees are charged by equipment category and by use category. The published fee schedule uses the terms personal use and marketing, while the current application form uses non-commercial and commercial classification. Always confirm the correct device category before budgeting or paying.
| Equipment category |
Examples |
Indicative official fee range |
| Telephone terminal equipment |
Ordinary, cordless and executive telephones; GSM/CDMA terminals |
KES 500–4,000 |
| Private exchange equipment |
PMBX, PABX, voice messaging systems, switchboards, media convergence servers |
KES 2,500–10,000 |
| Data and radio communication equipment |
Modems, routers, switches, HF, VHF, UHF, radio alarm transmitters |
KES 1,000–4,000 |
| VoIP / broadcast / network equipment |
VoIP gateway, IP terminal, radio/TV broadcast transmitters, microwave transmitters, base station transmitters |
KES 5,000–20,000 |
| Satellite earth terminals |
GMPCS terminal, VSAT |
No fee–KES 10,000 |
Consulting fees: Professional assistance, local representative/vendor support, document review, submission support and follow-up are quoted separately depending on the number of models, urgency and complexity of the technical file.
Need a quote for multiple models?
Send the brand name, model number, product datasheet, test reports and intended use in Kenya. We will classify the devices and confirm the likely filing approach.
Request a Device-by-Device Quote
Timeline
How long does Type Approval take in Kenya?
For planning purposes, allow enough time for document review, fee confirmation, sample handling and technical queries. Clean document-based files can move faster, but sample-based testing or incomplete reports can extend the process.
Pre-check
1–3 days
Device classification and report review.
File prep
2–5 days
Depends on manufacturer response.
CA review
Variable
Depends on category and queries.
Sample testing
Can be longer
CA notes sample testing may take up to six months.
Speed tip: Before filing, align the model number across the agency letter, label, datasheet, manual, test reports and Declaration of Conformity. Inconsistent model naming is one of the easiest issues to prevent.
Verification
How to verify Type Approved equipment in Kenya
Before importing, selling or deploying a device, confirm whether that exact model is already approved. CA publishes a type approved/rejected equipment list and advises stakeholders to confirm approval status where necessary.
- Check the device brand, model number and marketing name.
- Compare technical specifications with the approved model.
- Confirm whether a specification change may require fresh approval.
- For uncertain cases, request a compliance review before shipment or distribution.
Check CA type approved/rejected equipment list
Compliance risk
Penalties for non-compliance
Dealing in or using equipment without type approval or type acceptance can create regulatory risk, import delays, seizure exposure, market withdrawal issues and possible penalties under the Kenya Information and Communications framework.
Penalty risk: Under the 2010 Importation, Type Approval and Distribution of Communications Equipment Regulations, a person convicted of dealing in or using equipment without type approval or acceptance may be liable to a fine not exceeding KES 300,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.
Avoid delays
Common CAK Type Approval mistakes
- Wrong model mapping: the model on the report does not match the model on the application, label or datasheet.
- Weak agency letter: not on letterhead, not signed/stamped, or not linked properly where a distributor issues the authorization.
- Incomplete test reports: RF, EMC, Safety, SAR, IPv6 or RoHS evidence missing where applicable.
- Unclear commercial classification: personal/non-commercial use confused with marketing/commercial distribution.
- Late sample planning: the importer ships commercial stock before resolving CA sample requirements.
- Ignoring related licences: type approval does not replace spectrum, VSAT, ISP/ASP, NFP, broadcasting or other sector licences where those apply.
FAQs
CAK Type Approval FAQs
Is type approval the same as an import permit?
No. Type approval confirms the equipment model meets applicable communications standards. Import permit or customs clearance processes may still apply depending on the goods, importer and route of entry.
Does an already approved device need fresh approval?
Generally, type approval is granted per model. If the exact model is already approved and the specifications have not changed, a fresh approval may not be necessary. If the model, design or specification changes, re-submission may be required.
Can foreign manufacturers apply without a Kenyan company?
Foreign manufacturers often work through a local representative, distributor, vendor or compliance consultant to prepare and submit the local file and respond to CA queries.
Do all applications require a sample?
CA may require a sample, especially where physical examination or feature testing is necessary. The sample should be complete, working, labelled and supplied with necessary accessories or adapters.
What happens if CA requests clarification?
The applicant should respond within the time specified by CA. Failure to respond to clarification requests can result in rejection or deemed rejection of the application.
Do I need separate approval for each model?
Yes, type approval is typically model-specific. Similar-looking devices with different model numbers, radio modules, power ratings or technical specifications should be reviewed separately.
Need help with CAK Type Approval in Kenya?
We assist manufacturers, importers, distributors and technology companies with device classification, document review, agency letters, technical file preparation, official fee confirmation, sample guidance, submission support and follow-up.