CAK Type approval application in Kenya

Type Approval licence in Kenya

Type Approval licence is the official authority from the communications Authority of Kenya confirming that specific telecommunications equipment meets all the country technical, safety, and radio frequency standards in Kenya. This license is required before the equipment can be imported, marketed, or sold for use in Kenya.

Who should apply for type approval

Apply if you are a:

• Manufacturer, exporter, importer, or distributor of ICT telecom equipment;
• Licensed operator or an ICT company introducing new equipment into networks;
• Business or individual intending to *use* devices that connect to public networks in Kenya.

If you are unsure whether your device needs Communications Authority of Kenya type approval (some accessory items may be exempt), confirm with CA via info@ca.go.ke or check the CA Licensee / Type Approved Equipment lists.

Type approval requirements in kenya

CAKs application form and guidance set out mandatory documentation and sample obligations. Below are the core requirement buckets (details and forms available from CA

Application form and technical documents

• Completed CAK Type Approval application form (use the latest CAK form — see CAK portal). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Letter of Agency / Authority from manufacturer or principal (proving you’re an authorised applicant).
• Technical specifications, block diagrams, and product operation manual (technical datasheet).

Test reports and certificates

• Declaration of Conformity (DoC) from manufacturer or accredited lab.
• Test reports for RF, EMC and safety (and SAR where applicable) issued by ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories. CAK expects evidence of the laboratory’s accreditation (ILAC-signatory).
• Any regional or international certificates that support compliance (e.g., CE, FCC) — these help but do not replace CA-required test evidence.

Local representative and samples policy

• Where required, supply at least one working sample of the model (labelled with model number and IMEI/serial where applicable); CAK may retain samples for destructive testing — plan accordingly.
• Local point of contact or importer details (physical address in Kenya where applicable).

Type Approval Process and Timelines

Below is a practical step-by-step process you should follow when preparing and submitting a Type Approval application to CA.

Step-by-step process

1. Download & complete the CAK form — use the latest Type Approval application form from the CAK website.
2. Gather supporting documents — DoC, accredited test reports, technical & user manuals, letter of agency, sample, invoice/packing list (for imports).
3. Make payment — confirm non-refundable Type Approval fee and payment methods on the CAK portal; CAK does not accept cash (mobile money or bank transfer are standard).
4. Submit application — file via CAK’s specified submission channel (portal, email or physical where advised). Keep proof of submission and payment receipt.
5. Testing & evaluation — CAK and/or their testing agents review documents and test the sample(s). They may request clarifications or additional evidence.
6. Issuance — if satisfied, CAK issues a Type Approval certificate or grant. You may need to affix a Type Approval label on terminal equipment as instructed by CAK.

Download the CAK fee application form here: https://ca.go.ke/license-application-forms-fees

How long does it take? -Typical timeline (real-world expectations)

The typical processing time for type approval application is 4–10 weeks. This can vary based on the device type, documentation completeness, and laboratory turnaround. The process may take longer when additional testing or clarifications are required. Always budget conservatively for possible follow-ups.

Practical tip: pre-validate test reports (confirm lab accreditation and test scope) before submission — missing or non-accredited reports are the most common cause of delays.

Documents Needed for Submission (Checklist)

Use this checklist to prepare your package. The CAK application form lists similar requirements — always refer to the latest CA form before submission.

• ✔ Completed CAK Type Approval application form (signed).
• ✔ Letter of Agency / Manufacturer’s Authorization.
• ✔ One working equipment sample (correctly labelled).
• ✔ Technical operation manual / specifications (English).
• ✔ User manual (English).
• ✔ Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
• ✔ Test reports: RF, EMC, Safety (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited). Evidence of lab accreditation (ILAC signatory).
• ✔ Payment receipt for non-refundable Type Approval fee (confirm correct account and reference).
• ✔ Copies of certificates/notarized documents where applicable; certified English translations for non-English documents.
• ✔ Import documentation (proforma/invoice) if submitting for goods already in transit or imported.

Note: CAK’s application form may include additional technology-specific fields (e.g., frequency assignments for radio equipment). Check the form carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who issues Type Approval certificates in Kenya?

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) is the only authorized body responsible for evaluating, testing, and approving ICT and telecommunication equipment for use in Kenya.

Is Type Approval mandatory in Kenya?

Yes. According to the Kenya Information and Communications (Importation, Type Approval and Distribution of Communications Equipment) Regulations, no ICT device may be sold, imported, or used in Kenya without Type Approval or Type Acceptance from CAK.

Can foreign manufacturers apply directly for Type Approval?

Foreign manufacturers must apply through a local representative or authorized agent registered in Kenya. The agent will handle submission, correspondence with CAK, and delivery of the Type Approval certificate.

What equipment requires Type Approval in Kenya?

All ICT and communication devices that use radio frequency, telecommunications, or electromagnetic technology must be approved. Examples include mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, base stations, modems, tracking devices, smart meters, and broadcasting transmitters.

What is the difference between Type Approval and Type Acceptance?

Type Approval involves full evaluation and testing of a new device model by CAK. Type Acceptance applies to devices already tested and approved by recognized regulatory authorities or accredited laboratories, where CAK accepts those results instead of repeating the tests locally.

Does Type Approval in Kenya expire?

No, once issued, a Type Approval certificate does not expire. However, any modification to the model or technical design requires re-evaluation and fresh approval by CAK.

What about labeling?

The CAK requires that every approved equipment unit bears a Type Approval label. The label must include the CAK logo, the equipment type, and a unique alphanumeric identification number issued by the Authority. It should be securely affixed and clearly visible on the device casing or nameplate.

Can I use the same Type Approval certificate for multiple models?

No. Each model or variant of equipment requires a separate Type Approval certificate. Only identical devices under the same model number can share one approval.

Where can I check if my device is already approved by CA?

You can verify approved equipment through the CA Type Approval Register available on the Communications Authority’s official website. The register lists all certified equipment models and their approval status.

Can CA reject a Type Approval application?

Yes. CA may reject an application if the device fails technical tests, lacks supporting documents, or violates Kenya’s radio frequency spectrum policies. Rejection notices usually specify the reason, allowing applicants to rectify and re-submit.

Are test reports from other countries accepted?

Yes, CA may accept international test reports from laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 and recognized by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). However, CAK reserves the right to request additional verification or in-country testing.

Can an individual (not a company) apply for Type Approval?

Yes, individuals importing ICT equipment for personal or research use can apply for Type Approval, but they must still comply with all technical documentation and sample requirements.

What happens if I import or use equipment without Type Approval?

Non-compliance with Type Approval regulations is a serious offense under the Kenya Information and Communications Act. Importing, distributing, or using unapproved ICT equipment can result in fines, imprisonment, or both. Additionally, CAK may seize, destroy, or prohibit the sale of such equipment.

Where can I get help with my Type Approval application?

Dynamic Systems Advisory providS full Type Approval support services in Kenya. We assist with document preparation, submission, follow-up, and certification. Contact us to begin your application process.