Public webinar · Free to attend

Kenya's Proposed Data Centre Licensing Framework

What it means, and how to shape it before the deadline

Date
Thu, 1 October 2026
Time
3:00 PM EAT · 90 min
Format
Online, live Q&A
Starts in
Comment window closes on or about 8 October 2026.

The Communications Authority of Kenya has opened a 30-day consultation on a new licensing framework for data centres. The rules are being written now. This is your window to understand them, and to be heard.

On the agenda

01
What changes under the new framework vs NFP-T2
02
Why power is the first legal question
03
Data localisation and the AI Bill, where they are heading
04
How to file a submission that counts

What the CA is proposing

A standalone Data Centre licence category, replacing regulation of co-location data centres under the Network Facilities Provider Tier 2 (NFP-T2) licence. The essentials from the public notice of 8 September 2026:

Application fee
KShs 5,000
Initial fee
KShs 100,000
Annual operating fee
KShs 80,000
or 0.4% of annual gross turnover, whichever is higher
Licence term
15 years
USF fee
0.5%
of annual gross revenue on licensed services
Comment deadline
~8 Oct 2026
30 days from publication

Existing NFP and ASP licensees may operate data centres without registering separately. Implementation targeted for FY2027/28. Source: CA public notice, www.ca.go.ke.

Who should attend

Data centre operators
The licence category, fees and conditions apply directly to your business.
Owners & developers
Licensing shapes build timelines, power procurement and site decisions.
Investors & financiers
A 15-year framework changes the risk and return picture for the sector.
Legal & policy teams
The submission window is the moment to influence the final text.
A collective voice to Government

Add your voice to the collective memorandum

AfriTrade and S&S Advocates are filing one consolidated submission with the Communications Authority, drawing together the views of those the framework touches most directly:

OperatorsOwnersInvestorsFinanciersForeign direct investors
Tick the memorandum box when you register and we will include your views.
Reserve your place

Register for the webinar

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The joining link will be emailed to you before the session on Thursday, 1 October 2026, 3:00 PM EAT.

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