AfriPulse
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has announced plans to review the marketing structure of courier and postal services, including the introduction of a Ksh1.5 million licensing fee.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, September 16, CA Director General David Mugonyi said the review was in line with the Kenya Information and Communications Act of 1998, which outlines licensing requirements for entities operating communication services.
He revealed that the objective of reviewing the current postal and courier market structure was to enhance the overall efficiency, accessibility, and competitiveness of the postal and courier sector.
Mugonyi also noted that the move was meant to respond to the emerging challenges in the sector and fully exploit the opportunities presented by new technological developments.
Posta Courier services
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Posta Kenya
According to him, the review would also broaden the range of postal and courier licence categories to incorporate emerging market players and innovative service models.
“The Authority has established a postal and courier market structure and application requirements, which are instruments in providing market access to the regulated postal and courier industry in Kenya,” Mugonyi said.
“This market structure was considered critical towards simplifying and facilitating market entry by minimising regulatory requirements and processes while improving the operating environment,” he added.
The CA boss went ahead to disclose that the review would amend sections of the postal and courier market structure of 2008. According to Mugonyi, the review will focus on four critical areas.
These include addressing and removing certain market entry and operational barriers identified over time and providing greater clarity on the scope of the various licences.
The Authority also seeks to amend the law by introducing new licensing areas in line with the current Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) sector policy.
Licensing Fees
In the looming changes, the Communications Authority announced that the proposed law would revise the current licensing fee from Ksh50,000 to Ksh1.5 million.
CA noted that the decision to hike the licensing fees was informed by recognition that the Kshs 500,000 initial fee was established over 20 years ago and whose value has since been eroded by depreciation over the years.
The proposed law also seeks to reduce the licensing period from 20 years to 15 years. “This has been necessitated by the need to reduce the number of dormant licences over longer licence term intervals,” CA said.
Stakeholder Engagement & Comment Submission
Kenyans seeking to comment on the proposed law were urged to provide their input through the Authority’s email address: pcm-review@ca.go.ke
According to the CA Director General, those who want to submit their comments should do so on or before October 15, this year.
The Authority further urged Kenyans who are unable to submit their comments electronically to share their written comments with CA through a letter.
Entrance to Communications Authority of Kenya.
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CA
Source: Kenyans.co.ke | Read the Full Story…
