Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke today hosted a senior delegation from GSMA’s Global Spectrum team at his office ahead of tomorrow’s high-level workshop on spectrum licensing and satellite technologies.
The visit focused on Kenya’s digital competitiveness, spectrum pricing reforms, satellite regulation, energy challenges in the telecom sector, and strategies to close the country’s 60 per cent mobile internet usage gap, despite near-universal 4G coverage.
The delegation was led by Luciana Camargos, Head of Spectrum at GSMA Global, and included Caroline Mbugua, Senior Director of Public Policy and Communications; Luiz Felippe Zoghbi, Spectrum Engagement Director; and Linus Melly, Senior Policy Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Kenya currently has approximately 98 per cent 4G population coverage, positioning it among Africa’s top digital performers and reinforcing its reputation as a regional innovation hub.
However, stakeholders noted that coverage does not automatically translate into usage.
“Kenya has built a strong digital foundation. Our next frontier is adoption and inclusion,” PS Isaboke said.
“Our responsibility as government is to ensure that every regulatory decision — whether on spectrum, licensing or new technologies — directly addresses a national need. The question we must always ask is: what gap are we closing?”
Despite high coverage, Kenya faces a 60 per cent usage gap, meaning millions remain within network reach but are not actively using mobile internet services. Without targeted policy interventions, studies suggest it could take decades to close this gap.
Luciana Camargos emphasised the potential of predictable and affordable spectrum frameworks.
“If Kenya adopts international best practices in spectrum pricing, transparent roadmaps and efficient licence renewals, the country could unlock up to KSh 662 billion in additional GDP by 2028. The potential impact on jobs and tax revenue is significant,” she said.
According to the GSMA Digitalisation Report on Kenya, such reforms could also raise tax revenues by approximately Sh150 billion while accelerating digital adoption, innovation, and private sector investment.
The delegation encouraged continued evidence-based engagement to ensure long-term policy predictability and investor confidence.
Discussions also focused on emerging satellite connectivity and direct-to-device (D2D) services, which are increasingly complementing terrestrial networks globally.
PS Isaboke welcomed innovation but cautioned against unintended market disruption.
“Innovation is welcome. Satellite technology can help us reach remote areas. But it must complement, not destabilise, the mobile infrastructure that already serves millions of Kenyans,” he said.
He stressed that any new entrants positioning themselves as rural connectivity solutions must demonstrate clear rollout plans, measurable commitments, and alignment with Kenya’s universal service objectives.
Caroline Mbugua noted Kenya’s opportunity to shape regulatory standards across the continent.
“Across Africa, satellite regulation remains uneven. Kenya can lead by developing a balanced framework that ensures coexistence between mobile and satellite operators while maintaining fair competition and long-term investment certainty,” she said.
The meeting also addressed sector cost pressures, including spectrum pricing and rising energy expenses linked to expanding digital services and data demand.
PS Isaboke indicated that any structured support measures would be performance-based and tied to measurable rollout commitments.
“If there is to be flexibility or structured support, it must be matched with clear timelines, coverage milestones, and accountability. Expansion must be measurable and aligned to national development goals,” he said.
Linus Melly welcomed the collaborative tone of the discussions.
“What we are seeing in Kenya is constructive dialogue. The objective is not deregulation, but predictable and transparent frameworks that allow operators to invest sustainably while protecting consumer interests,” he said.
The meeting also explored the need to proactively communicate Kenya’s digital achievements, noting recent global rankings that place the country among Africa’s leading digital economies.
PS Isaboke emphasised the importance of celebrating progress while addressing areas needing reform, such as spectrum policy and taxation.
“We must celebrate what is working. At the same time, we must refine the areas that need strengthening. That balance builds credibility and investor confidence,” he said.
The meeting sets the stage for tomorrow’s workshop themed, “Driving Digital Inclusion in Kenya: Effective Spectrum Licensing and the Role of Satellite Technologies.”
The forum will bring together government officials, ICT leaders, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on transparent spectrum roadmaps, affordable pricing models, efficient licence renewals, regulatory integration of satellite services, and strategies to accelerate digital adoption.
With Kenya advancing its Digital Superhighway agenda, targeting 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable and digitising over 80 per cent of government services, the discussions are expected to shape the next phase of the country’s connectivity policy.
“We must move deliberately to ensure no region, no community, and no citizen is left behind,” PS Isaboke concluded.
He was accompanied by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Temesi Mukani.