Kenya’s Communications Authority Tightens Oversight on Digital TVs

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has announced that all digital television receivers and decoders must undergo mandatory Type Approval before being imported, sold, or used in the country.

The new requirement applies specifically to devices operating under the Digital Video Broadcasting-Second Generation Terrestrial (DVB-T2) standard, which Kenya adopted in 2015 during its transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. DVB-T2 technology enables efficient spectrum use and supports higher-quality content delivery, forming the foundation of Kenya’s digital TV infrastructure.

Affected equipment includes Integrated Receiver Decoders (IRDs), television sets with built-in DVB-T2 tuners, and Conditional Access Modules (CAMs). Distributors and importers must submit a Type Approval application for each equipment model to confirm compliance with the CA’s updated technical specifications. Details on the application process and requirements are available on the Authority’s website under the market structure section.

“The Type Approval application must be made alongside the required documentation as indicated on the application form for purposes of ascertaining compliance with the Authority’s new DVB-T2 technical specifications,” the CA said in its notice. 

The Authority added that the directive is intended to ensure technical compliance, protect consumers, and maintain consistency across the broadcasting sector.

Type Approval is a long-standing regulatory requirement in Kenya that applies to a wide range of communications equipment, including mobile phones, data devices, and radio transmitters. Its purpose is to prevent the entry of substandard or incompatible devices into the market, ensuring service quality and user safety.

Failure to comply may result in penalties as outlined in Section 46C of the Kenya Information and Communications Act of 1998, including fines of up to Ksh1 million.