Kenya

Last update: 17.02.2026 - older versions

In February 2026, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has facilitated the activation of Kenya’s first trial Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) services for radio in Nairobi, marking a major milestone in the country’s broadcasting sector. The rollout, announced on 13 February 2026, coincides with global celebrations of World Radio Day 2026 and signals a significant step toward the future of radio in Kenya. In 2025, the Authority granted authorisation to Signet Signal Distributors Ltd and Mast Rental Services Ltd to deploy trial DSB networks. In January 2026, Mast Rental Services became the first operator to launch a DAB+ trial network, currently carrying 14 radio programmes within the Nairobi coverage area. The Authority shall conduct monitoring and evaluation of the network over the 12-month trial deployment period.

Previously, in December 2024, the Communications Authority of Kenya sought public views on three key regulatory initiatives meant to spur the growth of the ICT sector, including digital radio licensing. The Authority says "having developed a Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) framework to guide the introduction of digital radio broadcasting services in Kenya, the Authority has developed the corresponding license templates for the DSB infrastructure and services in readiness for the implementation of the DSB licensing framework in the 2025/26 financial year." The Authority is seeking stakeholder comments on 10 proposed license categories under the DSB framework, with a deadline for submission of input set for 17 January 2025.

The Authority had published a "Digital Sound Broadcasting Licensing Framework" document in April 2024, following a consultation from November 2022.

Launching the consultation, the CA said: "A responsive framework will ensure the efficient use of the available broadcasting spectrum and encourage investment in the broadcasting sub-sector. Sound broadcasting in Kenya has predominantly been provided through by FM radio platforms, but gradual congestion and spectrum scarcity limits ability to introduce additional services in all major broadcasting areas. The framework provides a roadmap for broadcasters to develop new content and signal distributors to distribute the services on Digital Sound broadcasting platforms."

In social media posts, the CA added that: "There are nearly 200 licensed services including public, commercial and community FM broadcasters in Kenya. Most operate using analogue FM in VHF Band II (87.5 - 108 MHz). Frequency allocations for FM are close to saturation in major markets with over 2,200 pending applications. Development of Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) presents an opportunity both to accommodate new services and to future proof existing services."