Run a cyber cafe legally (Public Communications Access Centre licence)
Communications Authority of Kenya · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Cyber cafes now run under the CA's Public Communications Access Centre (PCAC) class licence, in force from 7 September 2026. Register your business, register with the Communications Authority, buy internet only from a licensed provider, and follow the rules: show prices, give receipts, register customers and keep basic session logs (not browsing history).
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- Where
- Communications Authority of Kenya, CA Centre, Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi; info@ca.go.ke; +254 20 4240000
What you need
- Business registration in Kenya
Steps
- Register your business in Kenya.
- Register with the Communications Authority (contact CA on info@ca.go.ke or at CA Centre, Waiyaki Way).
- Get internet only from a licensed internet provider (one with an Application Service Provider licence), and use type-approved equipment.
- Display your prices and give every paying customer a receipt.
- Register customers and keep a basic session log (computer ID, start and end time). Keep compliance records for at least 3 years.
Watch out
- You do not have to keep customers' browsing history, and the rules don't require a particular ID system or CCTV.
- You must have content filtering to protect users from harmful or illegal content.
- Don't resell bandwidth or build network infrastructure without a separate CA licence.
Who can apply
- Any person or business registered with the Communications Authority can run a cyber cafe, telephone bureau or community payphone under this licence.
- You must be a registered business in Kenya.
Official sources (3)
- CA clarifies new cyber cafe license rules and says no browsing history will be required ca.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Public Communications Access Centre Class Licence (terms and conditions) ca.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Telecommunications market structure (Licensing) ca.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026