The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has announced new approval requirements for Digital Video Broadcasting – Second Generation Terrestrial (DVB-T2) receivers that are used and sold in the country.
In a public notice dated September 2, 2025, the Authority said the move is part of efforts to protect consumers, ensure quality standards, and promote fair trade in ICT equipment.
Kenya switched from analogue to digital broadcasting in 2015, adopting the DVB-T2 standard to improve signal quality, use spectrum more efficiently, and provide viewers with more broadcasting services.
“To uphold technical integrity, consumer protection, and regulatory compliance, the Authority has published minimum technical specifications for DVB-T2 receivers, effective July 1, 2025,” CA said.
The rules apply to Integrated Receiver Decoders (IRDs), television sets with built-in decoders, and Conditional Access Modules (CAMs). All such equipment must be type approved by the Authority before being imported, sold, or used in Kenya.
The CA said importers, distributors, and retailers who wish to sell DVB-T2 equipment that has not yet been approved must apply for Type Approval and submit the required documents through the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) platform.
