Get a Gateway Licensing Assessment CAK Licensing Overview
The International Gateway Systems and Services (IGSS) licence is a commercial telecommunications licence issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) for businesses that want to establish and operate international gateway systems and provide international gateway services. In CAK’s market structure, the licence supports international gateway services using satellite communications across the globe or terrestrial systems across contiguous countries.
To apply for an International Gateway (IGSS) licence in Kenya, you generally need a Kenyan-registered entity with a registered office/premises, shareholder/director details, evidence of tax compliance, and a strong business plan (routing model, capacity, partners, technical design, governance). A sworn affidavit bundle is commonly used to submit copies of supporting documents.
CAK’s ULF market structure lists a KES 5,000 application fee, an initial licence fee of KES 15,000,000, and an annual operating fee of 0.4% of gross turnover or KES 800,000 (whichever is higher) for IGSS.
CAK indicates commercial telecom licensing is processed on a first-come-first-served basis and may take up to about 135 days once requirements are met. Some applications may also be published in the Kenya Gazette with a representations window.
Practically, IGSS is the licence category for operators building systems that carry international voice and/or international data into and out of Kenya using eligible international gateway technologies and interconnections. Your architecture might involve:
Telecom licences are operational authorization. Roll-out resources (e.g., spectrum, numbering, wayleaves) are typically handled separately where applicable. For International Gateway models, “capacity” and “interconnection” planning is where most projects win or fail.
You are a strong candidate for IGSS if your core business is international connectivity, routing, or gateway services—especially where you will build/operate gateway systems (satellite or terrestrial cross-border) rather than simply reselling retail internet access.
Related pages: Network Facilities Provider (NFP) | ISP / ASP Licence | VSAT & Satellite Licensing
CAK’s ULF market structure lists the following planning figures for IGSS (confirm latest before paying):
| Item | Official Overview |
|---|---|
| Licence Term | 15 years |
| Application Fee | KES 5,000 |
| Initial Licence Fee | KES 15,000,000 |
| Annual Operating Fee | 0.4% of annual gross turnover OR KES 800,000 (whichever is higher) |
| Spectrum / Bandwidth Notes | Access fees may vary by resource; CAK indicates IGSS annual resource-related fees may be based on bandwidth (where applicable). |
We confirm whether you need IGSS only, or IGSS plus other authorizations (e.g., submarine cable landing rights, NFP, VSAT/satellite). We also sanity-check your international connectivity model (carriers, capacity, interconnect points, routing governance).
Your business plan must be strong and technical enough for gateway operations: capacity plans, security controls, service governance, customer model (wholesale vs direct), and compliance reporting readiness.
CAK licensing procedures describe acceptance as tied to fee receipt and meeting requirements. Application fees are described as non-refundable, and some applications proceed to gazettement/representations steps.
CAK’s procedure describes publication in the Kenya Gazette and a representations window (often described as 30 days) for interested parties. Having clean corporate details and a credible plan reduces the risk of objections.
After approval, you pay the applicable licence fees, receive the licence, then operationalize within required timeframes. We set up your compliance calendar and reporting systems from day one so you don’t “win the licence and lose the compliance.”
Exact requirements depend on your structure and model, but a strong IGSS pack usually includes:
CAK licensing procedures include local participation guidance for foreign-owned telecom licensees within a defined period after licensing. We review your shareholding plan early and advise the safest compliant pathway for your model.
International Gateway licensees typically have structured reporting obligations. CAK’s compliance return form for IGSS/SCLR includes:
If your model involves satellite hubs/earth stations, plan early for the linked approvals and technical compliance (and align with your VSAT & satellite licensing strategy).
Biz Brokers Kenya supports International Gateway (IGSS) licensing end-to-end: eligibility review, document preparation, submission support, handling CAK queries, and compliance setup (quarterly/annual reporting readiness).
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Fast assessment: Share your gateway model (satellite vs terrestrial), capacity (Gbps), intended customers (wholesale vs direct), counties/PoPs, and whether you require any additional resources/approvals.
No. CAK treats these as different international network facilities categories: IGSS for international gateway systems/services, and Submarine Cable Landing Rights for landing submarine cable systems. Many large projects require one or both depending on the international connectivity architecture.
Telecom licensing is operational authorization. Resources like spectrum or numbering (where needed) are typically pursued separately in line with CAK guidance.
Submit a complete, consistent corporate pack and a gateway-grade business/technical plan, then respond quickly to CAK queries. Build your compliance reporting system early to avoid post-licence surprises.
We provide practical solutions to individuals, Businesses and organizations for you registration and compliance requirements all over Kenya