The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has proposed stricter licensing rules for cybercafés across the country, introducing measures aimed at enhancing regulation and improving security in these facilities.

In a notice dated December 23, the CA announced that cybercafés, currently licensed under the Public Communication Access Centre (PCAC) category, will be moved to a CLASS Licence if the changes are implemented.

The new licence will require operators to install CCTV surveillance, use logging-in software, and maintain detailed records of individuals accessing their services.

“It is notable that there is also a very large number of entities operating as cybercafés nationwide, which pose regulatory challenges that closely mirror those of the ordinary vendor licence category,” the CA stated in its notice.

The proposed changes are part of broader reforms aimed at safeguarding Kenya’s ICT sector.

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These reforms align with the government’s initiative to provide free public Wi-Fi hotspots in public institutions.

The CA has invited Kenyans to share their views on the proposed regulations by January 23.

The authority urged members of the public and stakeholders to offer feedback, particularly on how the measures could impact the operation of cybercafés.

This follows recent actions by the CA to enforce compliance in the ICT sector.

In October, the authority revoked the licences of 426 service providers, including 269 Content Service Providers and 113 Application Service Providers, citing non-compliance with regulatory standards.

The new cybercafé regulations are expected to address operational and security challenges while ensuring a more structured approach to public internet access across the country.