The government, through the Communications Authority of Kenya, now says that members of the public who want to import, sell or use digital televisions or decoders must first seek Type Approval.
Type Approval is a mandatory compliance process granted by an entity such as the Communications Authority, certifying that a product's design meets the requisite recommendations.
In a notice published on Tuesday, September 2, CA stated that the move was aimed at upholding technical integrity, consumer protection, and regulatory compliance.
The notice requires that all Digital Video Broadcasting-Second Generation Terrestrial (DVB-T2) receivers be Type Approved by the Authority before their importation, sale, or use in Kenya.
DVB-T2 is an advanced standard for transmitting signals to digital televisions and decoders. It allows broadcasters to deliver higher-quality content.
Kenya transitioned from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in 2015 and adopted the DVB-T2 standard to provide improved signal quality, more efficient spectrum use, and access to a wider range of broadcasting services
DVB-T2 receivers include Integrated Receiver Decoders (IRDs), TV sets with Integrated Digital Tuners, and Conditional Access Modules (CAMs).
"Therefore, entities intending to import, distribute, or sell DVB-T2 receiving equipment that have not yet been type approved must submit a Type Approval application to the Authority," CA declared.
Adding, "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."
Kenyans seeking to access the requirements needed for Type Approval were urged to visit the Communications Authority's website ca.go.ke and proceed to the market structure tab.
According to the Authority, Type Approval is done only once for each model of equipment. Besides digital TVs and decoders, other equipment that usually requires Type Approval includes cellular devices, radio communication equipment and data equipment.
Meanwhile, a non-compliance with the aforementioned directive could attract a penalty of up to Ksh1 million in fine in line with Section 46C of the Kenya Information and Communications Act of 1998.
