Regulators

As part of our ongoing commitment to the SDGs, We continue to engage with our regulators, supporting and enforcing, sustainable resource management (SDG 12), strong governance across our organisation and ethical business practices within our value and supply chains (SDG 16).

Our services play an important and, occasionally, critical role in the daily lives of over 35 million Kenyans. As a result, our regulators expect us to provide our services in a reasonable, responsible, ethical, and environmentally sensitive manner, providing customers with adequate information and support to access and enjoy our services, while respecting their rights. Our regulators also require us to compete for business fairly and to play our part in helping to empower and transform the lives of Kenyans through innovation and investment. We are overseen by eight regulatory authorities and our chief regulator is the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), which is the regulatory authority for the Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) sector in Kenya.

Communications Authority of Kenya

The regulatory authority for the ICT sector in Kenya, including broadcasting, multimedia, telecommunications, electronic commerce, postal and courier services.

Issues on which we engage:

  • Licensing
  • Spectrum management
  • Consumer affairs
  • Quality of service (QoS) and Experience
  • KYC regulations
  • Universal service fund (USF)
  • Interconnect

Competition Authority of Kenya

Enforces the Competition Act, No. 12 of 2010, to promote competition for the benefit of consumers, businesses and the economy as a whole.

Issues on which we engage:

  • Competition and trade practices
  • Consumer affairs
  • Mergers and acquisitions

Central Bank of Kenya

Formulates monetary policy to maintain price stability; promotes financial stability; oversees payments, clearing and settlements system; foreign exchange policies and reserves; issues currency; is banker and fiscal agent of Government.

Issues on which we engage:

  • Mobile money transfer services (M-PESA)
  • International money transfer services.

Kenya Revenue Authority

Responsible for the efficient assessment and collection of revenue (taxes) on behalf of the Government.

Issues on which we engage:

  • Taxation

National Environment Management Authority

Ensures the natural resources and environment of Kenya are managed in a sustainable manner.

Issues on which we engage:

  • Environmental impact assessments and audits
  • E-waste management
  • Energy management regulations
  • Air quality regulations
  • Awareness on Electro-magnetic frequencies (EMF)

Betting Control and Licensing Board

Promotes reasonable, legal and sustainable gaming activities in Kenya and authorises gambling, lotteries and prize competitions.

Issues on which we engage:

  • Safaricom product and service promotions

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority

Responsible for the safety and management of Kenyan airspace.

Issues on which we engage:

  • Site acquisition
  • Approval of proposed base transceiver stations

Capital Markets Authority

Protects the interests of investors and publicly-listed companies through licensing
and supervising the capital markets industry.

Issues on which we engage:

  • Corporate governance

As well as ensuring that we retain company-wide compliance with the stipulations of our regulators, we are also working on tangible ways to strengthen our stakeholder engagements in what remains a rapidly changing regulatory landscape. We expanded the size and remit of our Regulatory and Public Policy team last year and continued to build on this strong foundation during the year through proactive, effective engagements with our regulators.

Looking ahead

We will:

  • work with the regulator on the implementation of Data Protection Act by reviewing our internal processes and creating awareness among key teams to ensure we are fully compliant and understand our responsibilities in terms of safeguarding the privacy of personal data.
  • continue to evaluate the potential of 5G in our markets and work with the technology team to ensure regulatory support for the allocation of the spectrum required for our trials.
  • actively follow the developments leading up to the adoption of the proposed Guidelines for subscriber registration and management of numbering resources and engage with the CA to ensure a viable and favourable outcome for the industry.
  • strengthen our stakeholder engagements.
  • continue to enhance data protection and privacy
  • continue to evaluate 5G readiness and awareness on its impact
  • continue to monitor upcoming regulations (e.g. Subscriber registration, Numbering Resources)