On Monday, Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA) announced a proposal to overhaul licensing rules for internet cafés, reflecting a growing need for regulation in the digital age.
In a notice dated December 23, the Authority explained that the proposed changes align with the government’s initiative to establish free public Wi-Fi hotspots in public institutions.
With the rise of online services and a shift in educational demands, these cafés have seen a resurgence. The founder of this initiative is the CA, which aims to enhance security and oversight in the sector.
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New licensing framework
The proposed changes will reclassify internet cafés from Public Communication Access Centres (PCACs) to a new CLASS Licence. This shift introduces stricter requirements, including mandatory installation of CCTV systems and user identification verification.
The CA stated, “PCACs that provide internet browsing services must be licensed under the category of internet cafes”. Additionally, cafés will be required to maintain detailed records of user activities, such as browsing history and application usage.
Implications for small businesses
While these regulations aim to improve safety and accountability, they may impose significant burdens on small business owners already managing various operational costs.
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Many café operators worry about the financial implications of installing surveillance systems and maintaining detailed logs. The CA acknowledges this concern but emphasises that these measures are essential for effective regulation.
“It is notable that there is also a huge number of entities operating as cybercafés nationwide,” the authority noted, highlighting the challenges in monitoring compliance.
As Kenya continues to expand its public Wi-Fi initiatives and digital services, these new licensing rules represent a critical step towards ensuring a secure online environment for all users.