Kenya Govt Bans Public Service Vehicles From Offering Courier Services: "They're Not Licensed"

• The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) issued a warning against the illegal provision of postal courier services in the country by unauthorised Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Saccos
• PSVs and other providers violating postal courier service regulations may face fines up to KSh 300,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both
• CA advised Kenyans to use licensed postal and courier operators to ensure the safety of their items and mitigate risks

Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has more than three years of financial, business, and technology research expertise, providing insights into Kenyan and global trends.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued a stern warning against the illegal provision of postal courier services in the country.

As the regulatory agency for the ICT industry in Kenya, the CA oversees telecommunications, cyber security, e-commerce, broadcasting, and postal/courier services, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and safeguarding the interests of ICT service users.

The authority has raised concerns over unauthorised Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Saccos and e-commerce players offering courier services without obtaining the necessary licenses.

"It has come to the attention of the authority that a number of unauthorised Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Saccos and e-commerce players are offering courier services without obtaining the requisite license from the authority," said CA in a press release.

According to the CA, these entities are in violation of Section 49 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, which stipulates penalties for such contraventions, including fines of up to KSh 300,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both upon conviction.

CA urges Kenyans to ask for licenses

CA urged the public to utilise licensed postal and courier operators and advised Kenyans to verify the validity of courier service providers by requesting to view a valid compliance certificate issued by the authority.

"Members of the public are therefore advised to engage the services of licensed postal and courier operators to ensure the safety of their items and mitigate other risks associated with engaging unauthorised service providers. The public is further encouraged to verify the validity of courier service providers by demanding to view a valid compliance certificate issued by the authority," said CA.

List of courier companies for local and international parcels

There are several reliable courier companies in Kenya that provide professional delivery services locally and abroad.

Companies offering courier services in Kenya specialise in all types of deliveries ranging from low to high-volume packages.

These deliveries vary from regional, national and international, ensuring that they cut across different market demands.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke