Nairobi, April 7 -- Satellite communication providers, including Starlink, will from this week be required to obtain a licence costing at least Sh15 million and pay up to 0.4 percent of their annual gross turnover to the Kenyan government under expanded telecommunications rules.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)'s Revised Telecommunications Market Structure for 2026 introduces a new International Gateway Systems and Services (IGSS) licence for satellite firms.

The 15-year licence governs firms offering switching infrastructure and network control operations. An optional 25-year licence will cost Sh45 million. Licensees will also pay an annual operating fee of 0.4 percent of gross turnover or a minimum of Sh4 million, whichever ...