The Communications authority of Kenya is the regulatory authority for the communications sector in Kenya. It was established in 1999 by the Kenya information and communications Act,1998, the Authority is responsible for facilitating the development of the information and communications sectors including postal and courier services.
The Communications Authority provides for different categories of courier operators. They include Public Postal Operator which are charged with responsibility of ensuring provision of universal postal services and have the widest international and domestic coverage. International Operators operate internationally with both worldwide and domestic coverage. International Inbound only operators are firms that operate as one way operators; receiving items from overseas for local delivery. Regional operators operate within Kenya and East Africa network. Intra-Country Operators are courier firms that operate within Kenya. Intra-City Operators –operate within a city/town boundary and last but not the least Document Exchange Operator who enables exchange of articles/documents between members.
About 75% of the licensed courier operators are in the intra country and intra city categories, implying that most parts of the country enjoy access to courier services. The increase is attributed to the decision by the commission in the 2006/2007 financial year that saw the scaling down of postal license fees to enable entry into the market segment. The commission inspects all operations with a view to determine that they conform to their conditions. It liaises with law enforcement agencies to ensure that all courier service providers comply with license conditions. It investigates reported complaints and takes necessary action which may be through the issuance of notices or warnings for license revocation or suspension if there is violation of licenses terms and conditions.
Courier firms play an important role in the Kenya’s economy. These firms create employment opportunities, facilitates service delivering in different sectors and generates revenue to the government through taxes. The courier industry like any other industries is undergoing dynamism due to advancement of technologies, new ways of delivering courier services, the new demands of the customers and intense competition. Therefore, the communications authority should ensure that the courier industry is protected through the provision of a level playing field with no illegal players. The regulatory body should provide independent, factual information on how they are continuously streamlining the courier industry. Lastly, they should facilitate the development of guidelines that will assist the government in ensuring that firms meet international standards in provision of courier services.