The government has underscored the critical need for legal and policy changes across Africa to foster a conducive environment for the growth and sustainability of the postal sector.
Speaking at the official opening of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Postal Leaders Regulatory Forum for Africa on Tuesday in Nairobi, the Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Stephen Isaboke, emphasized that adapting regulatory frameworks is essential for the sector to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital and competitive market.
The PS who was delivered the speech on behalf of the Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, noted that Kenya has developed the National Addressing System and the supporting policy and legal instruments, to re-orient the post for last-mile delivery and e-commerce.
“As I speak, the draft National Addressing System standards, Policy and Bill are awaiting consideration in Parliament. Once enacted, these instruments will usher a golden era for the post in Kenya, particularly in e-commerce and last mile delivery.” The PS noted.
Similarly, the government is implementing the Kenya National e-commerce Strategy to bolster its position as a digital frontrunner in Africa.
“The strategy will go a long way in facilitating an inclusive and widespread utilization of trusted and secure e-commerce services in the country. The strategy’s focus areas are enhancement of digital trade infrastructure, promoting trust and consumer protection in online trade, and supporting Micro, small, and medium enterprises.” He added.
Further, to ensure that sector laws facilitate the continued growth of the post, the PS remarked that the ICT Ministry is spearheading the review of postal and ICT sector laws to align with technological and market trends.
To this end he says, the Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill 2025 has been submitted to Parliament for consideration.
“Legal reform will facilitate the ICT sector regulator, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to bring new and emerging services in the postal and e-commerce sub-market under its regulatory ambit.” He noted.
The PS stressed on the significant socio-economic role the postal sector plays in Africa, highlighting the evolving role of post offices in Kenya, transforming into “Huduma” (service) Centres offering access to government services for rural communities, alongside their traditional logistics functions.
UPU research shows that, well optimized, postal services could contribute close to 7% to a country’s GDP, a target that is within reach of all postal administrations within the region.
A 2023 report indicated that African postal industry processed over 1.2 billion items, a testament to the endurance and relevance of the sector, driven by accelerated digital transformation across the continent.
PS Isaboke appreciated the UPU for its continued support to Kenya’s efforts to modernize the post services including technical and financial assistance to the Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK).
“Most recently, the IB of the UPU has agreed to support the Postal Corporation of Kenya to enhance its capacity in the provision of Post4Health services to the tune of Swiss Francs 150,000 (Ksh. 23,716,536.15).” He noted.
He called on the African region to harmonize its ICT policies to strengthen cross-border postal networks, share best practices, forge partnerships with tech firms, and commit to sustainability by ensuring postal systems are green and resilient.