Advertisement
CA warns landlords against blocking access to licensed telecom providers
15th July, 2025 03:47 AM
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued a stern directive to landlords, public and private entities, and property managers, warning against the practice of denying or restricting access to licensed telecommunication service providers on their premises.
In the public notice issued on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the CA Director General and CEO, David Mugonyi, highlighted emerging trends where certain entities are entering into exclusive agreements with specific ISPs, locking out other licensed operators.
Mugonyi warned against a trend where private and public entities, as well as landlords, restrict or deny access to specific telecommunication service providers or services to their premises.
He emphasised that such conduct violates the Constitution, specifically Articles 33, 34, and 35 of the Bill of Rights, which guarantee free access to information and communication systems, and breaches Sections 84U and 84V of the Act, which prohibit refusal of service without cause and mandate equal opportunity for access.
“It has come to the attention of the Authority that some private, public entities and landlords are denying access, or limiting access or locking in specific telecommunication service providers and services to their premises,” the notice reads.
“We wish to notify the public that denying access or limiting access or locking in specific service providers in premises is in contravention of the Constitution of Kenya Chapter Four on Bill of Rights Articles 33, 34 & 35 that grant free access to information and communication systems of any nature by members of the public.”
He further stated that all licensed service providers should be given equal treatment in terms of access to the premises.
“To this end, the Authority directs landlords, property owners and managers not to deny access, limit access or lock in specific telecommunication service providers and services to their premises,”the notice reads.
“All licensed service providers should be given equal treatment in terms of access to the premises, to give the consumers and users of communication services the right to determine and choose their service provider.”
CA on the service provider
Mugonyi also cautioned members of the public, landlords, property owners, and managers about the importance of engaging licensed and compliant telecommunication and courier service providers.
He added that such providers are expected to hold valid licences and annual compliance certificates following the Kenya Information and Communication Act, 1998.
“The Authority advises members of the public, landlords, property owners and managers of the importance of procuring telecommunication and courier services from duly licensed and compliant entities,’the notice reads.
“These are entities which are in possession of a valid license and annual compliance certificate and as provided for under the Kenya Information and Communication Act, 1998.”
