The Communications Authority of Kenya has created a new licensing category for digital courier platforms that will take effect later this month.
The revised Postal and Courier Market Structure introduces the Courier Hailing Service Provider licence for platforms that connect customers with licensed courier operators using digital systems. The framework takes effect on July 29, 2026.
Firms applying for the licence must pay a KSh5,000 application fee and an initial licence fee of KSh100,000. They will also pay an annual operating fee of KSh100,000 or 0.4 per cent of audited annual gross turnover, whichever is higher, plus a Universal Service Levy of 0.5 per cent of turnover.
The Communications Authority stated that the changes follow public consultation to address technological and market trends. Riders using the platforms will be treated as agents under the licensed providers. National Courier Operator licences may now be issued to associations and SACCOs as well as companies.
