Puzzle of Airtel’s licence status as CA issues new notice
Airtel Kenya's licensing status remains uncertain as the Communications Authority of Kenya has issued a new notice for public submissions. Despite the company's claims of securing a 25-year permit, regulatory disclosures indicate the approval process is still ongoing.
Why it matters
The regulatory ambiguity impacts market competition and investor confidence in Kenya's telecommunications sector, particularly as rivals like Safaricom have already secured long-term renewals.
Questions have emerged over the status of Airtel Kenya’s licence a month after the telecoms operator said it had received a 25-year permit, with new disclosures by the regulator showing it is still awaiting approval.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) said in a August 28 gazette notice that Airtel Kenya’s applications for a network provider permit and a satellite provider authorisation were still subject to public submissions until September 28, after which the regulator can make a decision.
It comes a month after Airtel Kenya's managing director, Djibril Tobe, said the CA had offered the company a 25-year permit after paying an undisclosed fee, ending uncertainty over its operations.
The regulator and Airtel Kenya did not respond to queries on the status of the telco’s permits by the Business Daily.
Meanwhile, Airtel’s rival, Safaricom, recently announced that it secured a new 25-year operating licence.
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