Kenya’s ICT regulator has invited the public to weigh in on a new set of rules governing internet-based calling, marking the first major update to the sector’s framework in over two decades..
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has launched a sweeping review of the nation’s internet telephony regulations, marking the first major policy update for the sector in over two decades.
In a move aimed at fostering innovation and competition, the regulator has released the draft of the Technical and Operational Guidelines for Deployment and Roll Out of Commercial Internet Telephony Services, 2026.
These new rules are designed to replace the now-obsolete 2005 framework, which was established back when Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) was a niche technology rather than a global standard.
A Strategic Digital Upgrade
The transition reflects the massive evolution of Kenyan telecommunications, which has moved from copper-wire landlines (PSTN) to the dominance of mobile networks (PLMN) and now to advanced internet-based voice signals.
According to the CA, the current technological landscape has created “gaps and inconsistencies” that the new 2026 guidelines seek to resolve.
The objectives of this overhaul include:
Firstly, establishing a level playing field between internet calling startups and established traditional telcos.
Secondly, setting strict quality standards to ensure that calls over the internet are as reliable as traditional mobile services.
Lastly, providing a legal framework for “Hybrid” models, where calls may start on a mobile network and end on the internet.
Rigorous New Technical Standards
To protect the “interests of consumers,” the CA has outlined precise performance requirements for service providers.
Under the new rules, commercial VoIP services must maintain: One-way delayof less than 150 milliseconds, Packet loss of less than 1% and Jitter (audio variations) of less than 20 milliseconds.
Furthermore, the guidelines mandate the use of IPv6, the latest internet protocol, and require sophisticated “Priority Queuing” to ensure voice data is processed faster than standard internet traffic to prevent audio glitches.
Licensing and Consumer Protection
The draft also clarifies the legal hurdles for companies.
Businesses wishing to offer domestic internet calling will require an Application Service Provider (ASP) licence, while those handling international calls will need an International Gateway Systems and Services (IGSS) licence.
Crucially, the regulator is taking a hard line on security.
All internet calls must display valid Caller Line Identifiers (CLI). Traditional networks (PSTN/PLMN) will be obligated to block any internet calls that lack this identification and must report calls suspected of being manipulated or fraudulent.
Deadline for Public Feedback
In a statement, the new Director General Jessy Maruti invited the public, tech firms, and industry stakeholders to weigh in on the proposals.
This consultation period is a vital step in “safeguarding the interests of consumers” in a rapidly shifting environment.
The public has until March 30th, 2026, to submit their comments via email to voip@ca.go.ke.
Once finalised, these rules will officially repeal the August 12th, 2005 guidelines, signaling a new era for Kenya’s digital economy.