The Communications Authority (CA) of Kenya has announced a crackdown on unlicensed vehicle tracking and fleet management service providers.
Vehicle tracking and fleet management services offer tools and systems that enable entities to monitor and manage their vehicle fleets, primarily to enhance safety and operational efficiency, particularly for businesses that rely on transportation.
These services involve GPS tracking, telematics data analysis, and fleet management software, providing real-time insights into vehicle location, driver behaviour, and maintenance requirements.
In a notice displayed on my government website on Tuesday, July 15, CA's Director General, David Mugonyi, stated that all entities, including financial institutions, motor vehicle dealers, and other public and private entities, must engage with licensed providers to ensure compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.
To this end, the CA has directed all entities to verify the Annual Compliance Certificate of any tracking service provider before engagement and to assess all current and planned engagements with tracking service providers to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Entities have been encouraged to visit the CA's licence registration website or contact the Authority directly to verify the legitimacy of service providers.
Furthermore, Mugonyi has urged companies using unlicensed tracking services or internal tracking systems to obtain authorisation from the Authority.
"Please note that any tracking services not accounted for will be deemed to be owned or operated internally, requiring direct licensing from the Authority. Entities affected must seek such licences immediately to avoid regulatory action," the notice read.
"Non-compliance will attract enforcement actions, including prosecution, without further notice," it added.
Mugonyi has warned that companies failing to comply with the directive risk prosecution, fines, or jail time in accordance with the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998 (Sections 24, 67, and 75).
"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 by the Authority. Any violation constitutes an offence and attracts penalties, including fines and imprisonment," the CA noted.
According to the CA, ensuring compliance among ICT service providers in the country will be essential in ensuring public safety and high-quality services.
