A Content Service Provider (CSP) Licence, issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), authorises an entity to deliver content — such as broadcasting content, financial information services, or information society services — over electronic communications networks, typically for a fee.
CA Fee Schedule for CSP Licence
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Licence Application Fee | KES 5,000 |
| Initial Operating Licence Fee | KES 100,000 |
| Annual Operating Fee | 0.4% of annual gross turnover or KES 80,000, whichever is higher |
| Licence Period | 15 years |
The CSP fee structure is identical to that of the Applications Service Provider (ASP) licence, reflecting their shared status as non-infrastructure-based service categories under the Unified Licensing Framework.
What Counts as “Content”?
Under CA’s framework, content services include any information normally provided at a fee and delivered over electronic communications networks — this spans digital broadcasting content, premium financial/market data feeds, and other information society services delivered via mobile or internet platforms.
Requirements
- Registered Kenyan entity with valid tax compliance documentation
- A clear description of the content service(s) to be offered
- Compliance with content standards, copyright, and consumer protection rules
- Agreements with underlying network/infrastructure providers where relevant
Application Process
- Complete and submit the Electronic Communications Services application form (1-TL-3.7) to CA
- Pay the KES 5,000 application fee
- CA reviews the proposed content service and compliance framework
- Pay the KES 100,000 initial operating fee upon approval
- Remit the annual operating fee thereafter (0.4% of turnover or KES 80,000, whichever is higher)
For digital content businesses delivering paid information services over Kenyan telecom networks, the CSP licence offers a relatively low-cost regulatory pathway, mirroring the ASP fee structure rather than the far higher infrastructure-tier charges.
