The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has directed that all digital televisions and decoders entering the Kenyan market must undergo Type Approval before importation, sale, or use, with violators facing fines of up to Sh1 million.

In a public notice released on Tuesday, the Authority explained that the requirement covers all Digital Video Broadcasting-Second Generation Terrestrial (DVB-T2) receivers, including Integrated Receiver Decoders (IRDs), television sets fitted with Integrated Digital Tuners, and Conditional Access Modules (CAMs).

According to the Authority, the process is intended to uphold technical standards, protect consumers, and ensure regulatory compliance. CA emphasised that no DVB-T2 equipment will be permitted for distribution or use without prior approval.

“Therefore, entities intending to import, distribute, or sell DVB-T2 receiving equipment that have not yet been type approved must submit a Type Approval application to the Authority,” the notice read, clarifying the directive.

It further stated, “The Type Approval application must be made alongside the required documentation as indicated on the application form for purposes of ascertaining compliance with the Authority’s new DVB-T2 technical specifications.”

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The regulator urged Kenyans seeking information on the approval process to access the requirements via its official website, under the market structure section.

DVB-T2, an advanced broadcast standard adopted by Kenya in 2015 when the country switched from analogue to digital terrestrial transmission, allows for better picture quality, more efficient use of spectrum, and expanded broadcasting options.

CA noted that Type Approval is issued only once for each model of equipment.

Beyond televisions and decoders, other devices such as mobile phones, data communication equipment, and radio transmitters also fall under the approval requirement.

Failure to comply with the directive will attract a fine of up to Sh1 million, as stipulated in Section 46C of the Kenya Information and Communications Act of 1998.

With this move, the Authority has signalled its resolve to regulate broadcasting equipment tightly, reinforcing the need for conformity as the digital era continues to expand across Kenya.