An International Gateway Systems and Services Licence permits an operator to carry international voice and data traffic into and out of Kenya — essentially the gateway connecting Kenya’s domestic networks to the rest of the world. It is issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) under the international segment of the Unified Licensing Framework.
CA Fee Schedule for International Gateway Licence
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Licence Application Fee | KES 5,000 |
| Initial Operating Licence Fee | KES 15,000,000 |
| Annual Operating Fee | 0.4% of annual gross turnover or KES 800,000, whichever is higher |
| Licence Period | 15 years |
This sits alongside related international infrastructure licences, such as the Submarine Cable Landing Licence, which carries a similar fee structure (KES 5,000 application, KES 15,000,000 initial fee, and an annual fee of 0.4% of turnover or KES 4,000,000, whichever is higher).
Who Needs This Licence?
Operators seeking to terminate or originate international calls and data traffic — including those connecting Kenya to undersea cable systems or satellite gateways — must hold this licence before commercial operation.
Requirements
- Demonstrated international interconnection agreements
- Technical capacity for gateway switching and traffic management
- Compliance with CA’s international traffic routing and reporting rules
- Strong financial standing given the KES 15 million upfront cost
Application Process
- Submit application with international interconnection and technical plans to CA
- Pay the KES 5,000 application fee
- CA reviews technical capacity and compliance readiness
- Pay the KES 15,000,000 initial operating fee upon approval
- Remit the annual operating fee (0.4% of turnover or KES 800,000, whichever is higher) thereafter
The International Gateway Licence carries one of the highest entry costs in CA’s framework, reflecting the strategic importance of controlling international traffic routes — a cost point comparable to NFP Tier 2 licensing.
