The Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) is proposing revisions to the licensing procedures for technical personnel engaged in the installation, support, and maintenance of IP networks within Kenya. Today, the Telecommunication Technical Personnel Licence has two Categories; Internal Wiring (W) and Maintenance (M) on the one part and External Wiring (E) and Maintenance(M).
CA argues that these two categories are obsolete. They were established when communication infrastructure relied heavily on copper wire and wireless technologies, which have since been largely superseded by optical fiber and IP systems.
“Majority of the work currently carried out by Technical Personnel revolves around Local Area Network (LAN) using specialized IP networking devices whose manufacturers provide specialized trainings.” CA wrote in a public notice.
Thus, many of these IT professionals hold certifications from Original Telecommunications Equipment Manufacturers like Huawei, Nokia and CISCO.
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According to the authority, the current licensing framework’s failure to recognize specialized training creates a significant obstacle for technical personnel, preventing them from obtaining licenses despite their qualifications, often leading them to practice in the telecom field without proper authorization.
New Technical Personnel License Proposal
CA intends to create two new categories of Technical Personnel Licenses to broaden licensing eligibility.
One licensure category is designated as the Telecommunication Engineering Personnel License, for which qualifications in electrical and electronics engineering, telecommunications engineering, or an equivalent qualification are required. It is further divided into:
i. Class A -Degree
ii. Class B – Diploma
iii. Class C – Certificate
The second licensure category is designated as Telecommunication Systems Professionals, for which qualifications in IT, computer science, or an equivalent qualification are required. It too has the classes.
i. Class A -Degree
ii. Class B – Diploma
iii. Class C – Certificate
Application for the Telecommunications Technical Personnel License costs Kshs. 500, the initial license costs Kshs. 1,000, and the annual operating fee is Kshs. 500. The license term is 10 years, and only Kenyan citizens and Permanent Residency Visa holders are eligible.
Notably, this is a proposal subject to public review before January 23rd 2025.
