Get type approval for phones, routers, radios and other communications equipment
Communications Authority of Kenya · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Before you sell or use a new model of phone, router, radio or other communications equipment in Kenya, apply to the Communications Authority for type approval using the April 2026 application form, with a sample, manuals, test reports, a letter of agency and the non-refundable fee. Approval is done once per model.
- Fee
- KSh 1,000GSM/CDMA phone terminal, personal useKSh 4,000GSM/CDMA phone terminal, for marketing/saleKSh 1,000Data equipment (modem, router, switch), personal useKSh 4,000Data equipment (modem, router, switch), for marketing/sale
- How long
- Sample testing can take up to six months
- Where
- Communications Authority of Kenya, CA Centre, Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi; info@ca.go.ke. Forms at ca.go.ke/license-application-forms-fees
What you need
- Type Approval / Type Acceptance application form (April 2026 version)
- Letter of agency from the manufacturer or principal distributor
- A sample of the model with its accessories
- Technical and user manuals in English
- Test reports (RF, EMC, safety) in English from the manufacturer or an accredited lab
- A valid copy of your CA licence
- Proof of payment of the non-refundable type approval fee
Steps
- Check CA's List of Type Approved Equipment and the rejected list first. Approval is needed only once per model.
- Download and fill the Type Approval application form from CA's Licence Application Forms & Fees page.
- Pay the non-refundable fee for your equipment category and submit the form with the sample and documents to CA.
- If the equipment meets the standards, CA grants a Provisional Type Approval or Authority to Use. If rejected, CA tells you.
Watch out
- CA may not return your sample, because some tests destroy the equipment.
- Selling is only for licensed vendors and contractors. Get the right CA licence as well as type approval.
Who can apply
- Anyone who wants to market, sell or use communications equipment in Kenya.
- Only licensed vendors and contractors may sell communications equipment, and they need type approval for each model.
Official sources (4)
- Type Approval (Licensing / market structure page) ca.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- License Application Forms & Fees ca.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- ICT Equipment (Type Approval / Type Acceptance) Application Form (April 2026), Version 1.6 ca.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Type Approval Fees effective 1st July 2012 ca.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026