The Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) has put on notice landlords and property owners who are denying entry to several Telecommunication Service Providers (TSPs) and courier service providers.
Notably, these two providers offer a wide variety of services to the users including internet, email, and door-to-door delivery of packages, and documents which can be international or local.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, May 7, from Director General David Mugonyi, the authority explained that this was a violation of the law and its guidelines.
"It has come to the attention of the Authority that some private, public entities and landlords are denying access, or limiting access or locking-in specific telecommunication service providers and services their premises," read part of the notice.
This behaviour contravenes Chapter Four of the Constitution which gives each Kenyan free access to information and communication systems of any nature.
Mugonyi further added that the Kenya Information and Communication Act prohibits denial of access to communication services.
The act calls for equal opportunity for everyone to access the same type and quality of service to all customers. Additionally, it outlines regulations and guidelines for all service providers.
"No licensee under this Act shall deny access or service to a customer except for delinquency of payment of dues or any other just cause," reads part of the act.
CA also cautioned Kenyans, landlords, property owners and managers against procuring telecommunication and courier services from non-registered providers.
All service providers are required to have a valid licence and an annual compliance certificate. Anyone who operates without a licence commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh1 million or to imprisonment for five years or both.
Therefore, the authority has urged members of the public to visit the official website, ca.go.ke/licensee-register, to verify the identity and authenticity of the service providers.
"Members of the public are further advised to desist from obtaining services from unlicensed or non-compliant licensees to ensure better quality of services and robust consumer protection," read part of the notice.
