Several Companies Shut Down After Raid by Govt Agency

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has closed down eight unlicensed courier service companies in the Eastleigh area of Nairobi.
In a statement on Thursday, August 21, the authority revealed that the firms were closedduring an ongoing crackdownin collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS), which led to several arrests.
Currently, the suspects are being held at the California Police Station, awaiting arraignment at the Makadara Law Courts.
“The Authority, in undertaking its mandate on compliance and enforcement, conducted a raid on unlicensed service providers in the Eastleigh area of Nairobi,” the statement read in part.
“The raid, which was conducted in collaboration with the National Police Service, netted samples of parcels, receipts and consignment books that were collected and preserved as court exhibits.”
The eight firms raided were found to have been offering unlicensed parcel and courier services contrary to Section 67 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.
To avoid similar fates, the authority urged firms looking to get into parcel and courier services to apply for the requisite licenses at its offices in Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nyeri and Mombasa.
It also warned Kenyans against engaging theservices of unlicensed firmsto avoid the pitfalls that come with such decisions.
“The Authority also cautions members of the public to seek parcel and courier services from CA-licensed providers only. Dealing with licensed parcel and courier operators safeguards consumers, ensures secure and reliable delivery, and supports lawful and sustainable growth of the sector,” the statement read.
The crackdown comes just two months after the same authority announced that it would be revoking the licences of 13 courier operators stationed in Nairobi.
“Notice is given pursuant to the provisions of the Kenya Information and Communications Act (Cap. 411A) that the Communications Authority of Kenya shall revoke the postal licences of the following service providers within seven (7) days from the date of this Gazette Notice,” the notice stated.
The 13operators included four international courier operators, including Afrasia Courier Express, Courier Plus Logistics, Rioma Courier Services Limited and Delta Handling Services, and nine national courier operators.