In accordance with provision of Section 46C of the Kenya Communications (Amendment) Act, 2009, it is illegal to provide any form of broadcasting service in Kenya without a license. Contravention of this law attracts a fine not exceeding Kshs1,000,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both.

The license structure for broadcasting services in Kenya is categorized into the following services:  free to air radio, free to air television, subscription radio, subscription television, subscription management, and signal distribution.

Broadcasting Service

Broadcasting plans are drawn up by different regional conferences to facilitate the use of terrestrial service frequencies by administrations parties to these agreements.
The broadcasting plans in force applicable to Kenya include:

• The plan for Medium Frequency broadcasting in regions 1 & 3 and low frequency broadcasting in Region 1, Geneva 1975. This plan is known as GE75 and covers the frequency bands 148.5-283.5 kHz and 526.5-1705 kHz.
• The plan for the use of band 87.5 – 108 MHz for FM sound broadcasting in Region 1 and part of region 3, Geneva 1984. This plan is commonly known as GE84 Plan.
• The plan for VHF/UHF analogue television broadcasting in the African broadcasting area and neighboring countries, Geneva 1989. This plan is known as GE89 Plan and covers the frequency bands 47 –68, 174 – 230, and 470-862 MHz.
• The HF broadcasting (also known as short wave) which has no plan but is covered by article S12 of the Radio Regulations. This service is within the frequency band 5900 – 26100 kHz.
   

Licensing procedures for broadcasting

The licensing procedures for broadcasting services are under development and shall be released soon.