Cybercafés in Kenya Face New Licensing Requirements Including CCTV Installation

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has announced a proposal for significant changes to the licensing framework for internet cafés, encouraging public feedback by the deadline of January 23, 2024.

This initiative is part of a broader government effort to implement free public Wi-Fi hotspots within public institutions while addressing regulatory challenges within the sector. In a notice released on December 23, the CA notes the large number of cybercafés operating throughout the country which face regulatory issues akin to those associated with traditional vendor licenses.

Currently, internet cafés obtain their licenses under the Public Communication Access Centre (PCAC) category; the proposed changes will shift this licensing to a new CLASS Licence, accompanied by updated terms and conditions. Key proposals under the CLASS Licence include the mandatory installation of CCTV surveillance systems in each cybercafé and the enforcement of logging-in software currently used by many establishments.

“Notably, there is also a very large number of entities operating as cybercafés nationwide, which pose regulatory challenges that closely mirror those of the ordinary vendor licence category,” the statement reads.

Furthermore, the CA will require these cafés to maintain comprehensive records and verify the identities of individuals using their services. This move aligns with the CA's commitment to bolstering regulatory oversight in the ICT sector, which has already seen significant enforcement actions this year, with the revocation of licenses for 426 service providers, including 269 Content Service Providers and 113 Application Service Providers, due to non-compliance.

As the government continues its initiative to expand access to free public Wi-Fi, the proposed changes signal a proactive approach to managing the evolving landscape of internet usage. The CA aims to ensure the security and accountability of public internet access points while safeguarding the interests of all users.