Use licensed tracking firms only - CA tells businesses, vehicle dealers

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has directed all financial institutions and motor vehicle dealers to engage only licensed providers for vehicle tracking and fleet management services.

This initiative aims to protect consumers, promote public safety, and eliminate the use of unlicensed and potentially substandard tracking systems in the country.

In a notice, CA Director General David Mugonyi noted that the operation of any communications-related service without a valid license is illegal under the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.

“Sections 24, 67, and 75 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, prohibit the operation of any communications system or service without a valid licence issued bythe Authority,” he stated.

Mugonyi warned that violations of the Act constitute an offence and attract heavy penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

To ensure service quality and regulatory compliance, Mugonyi explained that the Authority licenses Application Service Providers (ASPs) that meet defined technical and legal standards.

These providers are issued with an Annual Compliance Certificate, which must be verified before any engagement, he said.

CA is now requiring all entities procuring tracking or fleet management services to confirm that their service providers are not only licensed but also possess a valid compliance certificate.

The organisations, which affect both private and public, are further advised to assess all existing contracts with tracking firms to ensure they align with the current regulatory requirements.

“Verify the Annual Compliance Certificate of any tracking service provider before engagement,” he said.

He added: “Assess all current and planned engagements with tracking service providers to ensure they comply with regulatory requirements.”

CA warned that any tracking services that are not sourced from licensed entities will be presumed to be operated in-house and will require the operating organisation itself to seek licensing directly from the Authority.

According to the DG, failure to comply will attract enforcement actions, including prosecution, without further notice.

He urged the public to verify licensed service providers through the official register available on CA’s website at www.ca.go.ke/licensee-register.

The new measures, he stated, are critical to ensuring the integrity of vehicle tracking systems in the country’s transport and logistics industry and to safeguard the interests of service users across all sectors.