Satellite Landing Rights & Satellite Licensing Kenya

Satellite Landing Rights Kenya — quick answers

What is a Landing Rights Authorization (LRA) in Kenya?

The current LRA authorizes the landing of international telecommunications signals into Kenya. The revised 2026 CA market structure describes this as international connectivity achieved through satellite footprints and/or a landed submarine cable and its power-feed equipment in Kenya.

The authorization may permit establishment of a landing-station facility, but its scope is deliberately limited. The current framework places certain terminal equipment, cross-connects and commercialization of service or cable capacity outside the LRA scope.

Who should assess satellite Landing Rights in Kenya?

• foreign satellite operators whose satellite footprint provides telecommunications connectivity into Kenya;
• GMPCS operators and service models entering the Kenyan market;
• satellite-based IoT providers serving Kenyan users or devices;
• international connectivity providers using satellite systems or submarine cable systems;
• existing international partners of Kenyan gateway/service licensees affected by the 2026 transition arrangements; and
• operators whose planned Kenyan activity includes a landing station, earth station or international signal-delivery arrangement requiring classification.

The correct route depends on whether the applicant is merely landing connectivity, commercially selling gateway/capacity services, operating an ASP service, or using a private VSAT terminal for its own purposes.

Landing Rights Authorization fees in Kenya

LRA vs ASP, IGSS and Private VSAT

For complex satellite market entry, several routes can apply at the same time. The project should be classified by signal landing, service commercialization, customer service, terminal use and equipment importation.

Current satellite LRA application information

The current 2026 universal telecommunications licence application form contains a specific international-systems guide for Landing Rights Authorization.

General application package

• cover letter addressed to the Director General;
• affidavit identifying the licence category and confirming certified/notarised supporting documents;
• completed universal telecommunications licence form;
• legal registration and ownership/shareholding documentation under the current form;
• English translations where documents are issued in another language; and
• other applicant documents required by the current Section B checklist.

Satellite footprint details

• satellite operator name(s);
• frequency bands of operation, satellite antennae and signal parameters;
• orbital position(s) and type, where applicable;
• launch parameters such as date and constellation, where applicable;
• fixed/mobile station information, where applicable; and
• proposed earth-station location in Kenya, where applicable.

Submarine-cable LRA applications have a different information set in the same universal form, including cable system details, landing station location, capacity and transit arrangements.

Practical satellite / LRA application sequence

1. Classify the international connectivity model. Determine whether the Kenyan activity is LRA-only, LRA + ASP, IGSS, Private VSAT or a combination.
2. Map the satellite system. Document operator, constellation/orbit, bands, antenna/signal parameters, earth-station arrangements and Kenyan service footprint.
3. Separate landing from commercialization. Identify who sells connectivity/capacity in Kenya and who contracts with end users.
4. Prepare the corporate and international-systems application file. Follow current CA certification/notarisation and universal-form requirements.
5. Assess terminal Type Approval and importation. Satellite terminals and related communications equipment may create separate Type Approval and CED questions.
6. Submit and pay using the current CA channels. Use the current 2026 application form and fee schedule rather than legacy satellite forms for pricing.
7. Respond to technical/regulatory queries and complete issuance. Complex satellite structures should allow time for technical clarification and related-licence coordination.

2026 transition: existing satellite partners should not rely on legacy structures

The revised market structure introduced the LRA as a distinct category and the CA's transitional provisions state that foreign firms that currently provide or intend to provide satellite or terrestrial cross-border connectivity to in-country infrastructure providers are required to apply for Landing Rights Authorization.

The transition document also addresses legacy satellite/IGSS arrangements. For current market entry, the safer approach is to classify the actual 2026 business model rather than rely on an old Satellite Cable Landing Rights or gateway structure by name.

Satellite market-entry pre-filing checklist

• ✔ Identify the satellite operator and applicant entity.
• ✔ Document constellation/orbit and operating frequency bands.
• ✔ Define the Kenyan earth-station or landing arrangement, if any.
• ✔ Identify who contracts with Kenyan customers and sells capacity/services.
• ✔ Determine whether an ASP service is also being provided.
• ✔ Flag satellite-based IoT/GMPCS for ASP + LRA treatment.
• ✔ Assess satellite terminal Type Approval and import/distribution separately.
• ✔ Use the 2026 fee schedule rather than legacy USD 12,500 landing-rights forms.

Official CA references

Information checked: 21 August 2026. CA licence categories, fees, forms and procedures may be revised. Confirm the current CA materials before filing.

• CA Market Structure
• Revised Telecommunications Market Structure — June 2026
• Current Telecommunications Licence Application Form
• CA License Application Forms & Fees
• Transitional Provisions for the Revised Market Structure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Landing Rights Authorization in Kenya?

Under the current CA market structure, the Landing Rights Authorization permits transmission of telecommunications signals to Kenya for international connectivity through satellite footprints and/or a landed submarine cable, within the defined scope of the authorization.

How much does a Kenya Landing Rights Authorization cost?

The current revised 2026 CA fee schedule lists an application fee of USD 500 and an initial licence fee of USD 25,000 for a 15-year term. The schedule shows no annual operating fee for the LRA.

Why do some older CA forms show USD 12,500?

Older legacy satellite landing-rights forms remain searchable online and show the previous USD 12,500 registration fee. For current pricing, the revised 2026 telecommunications market structure lists USD 25,000. Applicants should use the current 2026 fee schedule and universal application form.

Does satellite IoT require both ASP and LRA licensing?

Yes, where the service is satellite-based IoT or GMPCS. The current 2026 market structure expressly states that these ASP-category services are coupled with a Landing Rights Authorization.

Does an LRA allow commercialization of satellite capacity in Kenya?

Not by itself. The current LRA scope states that commercialization of the service/cable capacity, cross-connects and certain terminal/gateway equipment are outside the LRA scope. An International Gateway Systems and Services or other licence may need to be assessed.

What technical information is requested for a satellite LRA application?

The current universal form asks for satellite operator names, frequency bands, antenna and signal parameters and, where applicable, orbital positions/type, launch parameters, constellation details, fixed/mobile station information and proposed earth-station location in Kenya.

Is a Private VSAT licence the same as an LRA?

No. The current market structure treats Private VSAT operated through foreign hub operators as a separate own-use licence category. LRA addresses international signal landing/connectivity through satellite footprints or submarine cable systems.