The development of a large-scale telecommunications infrastructure in Kenya, capable of delivering efficient and affordable info-communications services, is recognized as a critical prerequisite for the country's economic growth.

The Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) is responsible for developing and co-ordinating the policies and strategies with respect to development and operation of telecommunications services in Kenya. In this regard, the Commission licences telecommunications operators and service providers, and monitors their performance on a continuous basis to ensure that they discharge the obligations as stipulated in their licences, and in keeping with the provisions of the Kenya Communications Amendment Act, 2009, and the Kenya Communications Regulations, 2001.
The Commission's mandate in regard to the sector involves the following: 

• Telecommunications licensing

Preparation of procedures and regulations on licensing of operators, including Network Facility Operators, Application Service Providers, and Content Service Providers. It also enforces all licence conditions and regulations.  

• Effective competition

Maintains and promotes effective competition between persons engaged in commercial activities connected with telecommunication services in Kenya in order to ensure efficiency and economy in the provision of such services and to promote research and development in the sub-sector.  In addition, the Commission reviews the sector on a continuous basis to ensure that competition is fostered and to guard against anti-competitive behaviour by licenced operators.

• Consumer protection

Protects the interests of all users of telecommunications services in Kenya with respect to the prices charged for and the quality and variety of such services

• Promotion of investment and provision of international transit services

Encourages private investment in the telecommunications sector, and provision of international transit services by persons providing telecommunications services in Kenya. 

•  Universal Service Obligations

Develops mechanisms to ensure the availability of telecommunications services to all citizens throughout the country 

• Tariff Regulation

Develops pricing guidelines for service providers in order to ensure service affordability