Govt Announces Changes Affecting Internet Service Providers

Telecommunication operators and internet service providers (ISPs) in Kenya could soon be required to share critical infrastructure such as masts, fibre-optic cables, and towers under new draft ICT regulations.
The Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy has proposed the Kenya Information and Communications (Infrastructure Sharing) Regulations, 2025, which aim to eliminate duplication of installations and reduce the cost of rolling out networks.
According to the draft notice, the rules will compel service providers to open up access to existing infrastructure, including base stations, ducts, poles, and data centres, to rival operators on fair and non-discriminatory terms.
The government argues this will encourage efficiency and promote wider access to affordable communication services.
However, sharing infrastructure could limit how firms differentiate themselves in the market and expose them to risks such as sabotage or overuse of their infrastructure by competitors.
The regulations are part of a sweeping overhaul of Kenya’s ICT sector published in a gazette notice by Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo.
The notice also sets out proposed laws covering broadcasting, tariffs, spectrum allocation, consumer protection, postal services, fair competition, and electronic communications.
One of the stated goals is to create a level playing field in the digital economy, ensuring equitable access to infrastructure and preventinga few dominant players from controlling essential facilities.
Smaller players could benefit, as the cost of entry into the telecom and internet market could be significantly reduced, thereby propelling thedigital penetration agenda of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
”The proposed Regulations seek to provide for the general requirements for the issuance of a licence, including the procedures for the application, renewal, revocation and transfer of a licence (g) the proposed Kenya Information and Communications (Infrastructure Sharing) Regulations, 2025 have been made pursuant to section 85A (3) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, Cap. 411A,” read part of the regulations.
”The main objective of the proposed Regulations is to provide a regulatory framework for the sharing and access of Information Communication and Technology infrastructure.”
At the same time, the government wants to reduce the environmental and health concerns linked to multiple mast installations, particularly in urban centres where residents andcounty governments have frequently raised complaints. By mandating sharing, the Ministry notes that it will reduce clutter and improve urban planning.
The regulatory package also includes proposals for tighter consumer protection rules, with telecoms and broadcasters required to enhance customer care, safeguard data, and improve quality of service standards.
Other reforms touch on spectrum management, with the State seeking to ensure fair allocation of this limited national resource, and new rules on broadcasting to promote more local content and diversity of views.
The public has been invited to submit comments within 14 days, after which the ministry will finalise the regulations.