Understand how to apply for type approval from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) for ICT equipment.
Type approval is a mandatory certification issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) that ensures communication devices meet technical, safety, and network compatibility standards in Kenya.
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents and materials to the Communications Authority:
Already approved devices do not need re-approval unless specifications change.
Send documents to:
Director – Licensing, Compliance and StandardsThe CA has 60 days to approve or reject. If no communication is received within this period, the equipment is deemed approved.
All approved equipment must display a type approval label with CA logo and serial number.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) charges non-refundable Type Approval fees depending on the category of equipment and whether the application is for personal use or marketing/commercial purposes. Below are the effective fees as per the official CA schedule (2025) .
| Equipment Category | Example Equipment | Personal Use (KES) | Marketing (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telephone Terminal Equipment | Ordinary or Cordless Telephone, Answering Machine | 500 | 2,000 |
| Executive or GSM/CDMA Terminals | 2-line or Intelligent Executive Phones, GSM Terminals | 1,000 | 4,000 |
| Private Exchange Equipment | PABX, Voice Messaging System, Media Convergence Server | 2,500 | 10,000 |
| VoIP Network Equipment | E1 Interface Card, VoIP Gateway, IP Terminal | 5,000 | 20,000 |
| Broadcast Transmitter Equipment | Radio/TV Broadcast Transmitter, STL Equipment | 2,500 | 10,000 |
| Network Equipment | Microwave or Base Station Transmitter, Network Management System | 5,000 | 20,000 |
| Satellite Earth Terminals | VSAT, GMPCS Terminal (without ITU MoU Mark) | 1,000–2,500 | 4,000–10,000 |
Note: Equipment with the ITU MoU Mark (GMPCS terminals) are exempt from Type Approval fees. All payments are made directly to the Communications Authority of Kenya through the official channels listed on the CAK website.
For assistance with Type Approval documentation and submission in Kenya, contact our consultants for a checklist and fee confirmation.
Typical processing times for Type Approval in Kenya range from 4–8 weeks. Actual duration depends on the device category, completeness of documentation, and laboratory test turnaround. Sources that track country lead times include the Communications Authority of Kenya and industry trackers such as IB-Lenhardt and Approve-It.
Pro tip: missing or inconsistent test reports are the most common cause of delays — get testing done up front. If you want help preparing a compliant submission, contact our team for a document review and timeline estimate.
Request a timeline & checklistUsing or importing unapproved devices is a criminal offence.
Exemptions may apply to:
Only licensed communication technicians or engineers are allowed to install approved devices in Kenya.
The CA Kenya website publishes lists of:
If you're unsure how to get started with type approval in Kenya, we can help you prepare documentation, file the application, and ensure a smooth process with the CA.
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