An applicant is required to duly complete the relevant application form and submit it together with necessary attachments and a non-refundable fee of Kshs1000. The procedure applicable depends on the service applied for and is detailed for each category of service in the procedure of licensing of radio stations. Click here for information on the relevant application forms

The frequency utilization fee is renewable annually and keeps the frequency licence in force. The applicable fee for each category of service is detailed in the 'frequency fee schedule' under licence fees .

The application processing on average takes about four to six weeks.

A clarification is required for some applicants from the Government organs so as to confirm the nature of the proposed service.

It is possible to connect or patch any equipment on the radio equipment as long as it is type approved by the Commission and the service provided by the other equipment is licensed.

Depending on the nature of service the frequency can be assigned for exclusiveuse, but is in most cases on shared basis due to the scarcity of spectrum.

The operation of duplex frequenc ies depends on the availability of the spectrum in the band and area of operation requested for.

Operation of more than one fixed base in any service is permitted as long as the frequency channels are available.

A cordless telephone is not allowed to operate outside the prescribed frequency and operating parameters within the National table of frequency allocation plan. Otherwise, it will cause harmful interference to other services allocated to the bands.

A list of Type Approved cordless telephones is available at the CCK website.

In HF propagation, the transmitted signal can be received over a range of 1000 km, and if the frequency is not notified to ITU, then it will not be protected against interference. Some neighbouring countries that do not have a regulatory administration have a tendency of using HF frequencies without coordination, hence causing a lot of interference.

If it is determined that the channel is too congested, an alternative frequency can be re assigned, depending on the nature of the service.

In most cases parties with similar interests are grouped together. Examples of such groups are tour operators, transporters and building contractors.

The frequency licence fee is based on the spectrum usage rather than the equipment.

During the application, the applicant defines the configuration of the network, on which the approval is based. The applicant is however free to expand or reduce the network, subject to obtaining approval from the Commission before the expiry date of the licence.

The Commission performs regular inspections to confirm that the configuration conforms to the licence.

The approved network is specific to a site or radius, and cannot be transferred to another site or other users without the approval of the commission.

The network can be expanded on approval from the Commission.

If equipment is stolen or unserviceable, the licensee should seek approval from the Commission to replace the equipment after availing adequate documentary evidence/proof on the status/ownership of the equipment in question.

The radio equipment can be purchased from any vendor, but the purchaser must confirm it is type approved by the commission before it is put into use.

In major towns where the spectrum is scarce, the only channel spacing allowed is 12.5 kHz, as was gazetted in 1995. In other areas where the spectrum is still adequate, the 25 kHz spacing can be used with the approval of the Commission.

The National broadcaster has been assigned frequencies nationwide.

The Private broadcasters have been assigned frequencies as follows:
 

Q21. What are the frequently encountered illegalities with regard to frequency utilisation?

The frequently encountered illegalities, which are mainly as a result of not operating within the licensed technical and operational parameters include the following:

• Programming a frequency other than the authorized one
• Using an equipment with incorrect channel spacing
• Emitting excess RF power
• Installation of a transmitter in a location other than that specified by the license
• Operation or possession of non-type approved equipment including cordless telephones
• Operating or possessing unlicensed radio equipment.

The use of these transceiver is allowed provided you adhere to the guidelines for use available on the CCK website.