Updated 1 November 2026
A radio station licence Kenya broadcasters need is issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). Under CA’s Broadcasting Services Market Structure and Fee Schedule (effective 1 July 2018), a commercial free-to-air radio station pays a KSh 5,000 application fee, a KSh 100,000 initial licence fee and an annual operating fee of 0.4% of annual turnover or KSh 80,000, whichever is higher, for a 10-year licence. A community radio pays KSh 1,000, KSh 15,000 and KSh 15,000 a year. Frequency fees are charged separately. Below is the full table for radio and TV and the steps to apply.
Updated 1 November 2026 from the CA Broadcasting Services Market Structure and Fee Schedule 2018, linked from ca.go.ke. Confirm current fees with CA.
Radio station licence Kenya fees (CA schedule)
| Category | Term | Application | Initial licence fee | Annual operating fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial free-to-air radio | 10 years | KSh 5,000 | KSh 100,000 | 0.4% of turnover or KSh 80,000, whichever is higher |
| Community free-to-air radio | 10 years | KSh 1,000 | KSh 15,000 | KSh 15,000 |
| Public radio (non-commercial) | 10 years | KSh 2,500 | KSh 50,000 | KSh 40,000 |
| Public radio (commercial) | 10 years | KSh 5,000 | KSh 100,000 | 0.4% of turnover or KSh 80,000 |
TV and other broadcasting licence fees
| Category | Term | Application | Initial fee | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial free-to-air TV | 10 years | KSh 5,000 | KSh 100,000 | 0.4% of turnover or KSh 80,000 |
| Community free-to-air TV | 10 years | KSh 1,000 | KSh 30,000 | KSh 30,000 |
| Public TV (non-commercial) | 10 years | KSh 2,500 | KSh 100,000 | KSh 80,000 |
| Subscription broadcasting (cable, terrestrial, satellite, IP) | 10 years | KSh 5,000 | KSh 100,000 | 0.4% of turnover or KSh 80,000 |
| Subscription management service | 10 years | KSh 5,000 | KSh 100,000 | 0.4% of turnover or KSh 80,000 |
| Landing rights | 15 years | KSh 5,000 | US$12,500 | N/A |
| Self-provisioning signal distributor | 15 years | KSh 5,000 | KSh 15,000,000 | 0.4% of turnover or KSh 800,000 |
Source: CA Broadcasting Services Market Structure and Fee Schedule and the CA licence forms and fees page, checked 1 November 2026. The application fee is paid with the form, the initial fee after approval and before the licence is issued, and the annual fee on or before 1 July each year.
Frequency fees come on top
An FM station also needs a frequency assignment. CA charges frequency fees under its Frequency Spectrum Fee Schedule (effective July 2018), and applicants file form CA-F-FSM-04 (Application for Frequency Assignment in the Sound Broadcasting Radio Communication Service). Frequencies are limited in big towns, so a broadcasting licence does not guarantee a frequency where you want it.
Commercial vs community radio
Commercial stations can sell advertising freely and pay at least KSh 80,000 a year. Community stations serve a defined community, are usually non-profit and pay a flat KSh 15,000 a year, but face content and ownership conditions set by CA. Internet-only radio streamed online is not listed as a free-to-air category; IP broadcasting appears under subscription broadcasting. Ask CA if your online station needs a licence.
How to apply for a radio station licence in Kenya
- Register the company and get its KRA PIN (company KRA PIN guide).
- Download the Application Form for Broadcasting Licences from the CA forms page.
- Prepare your programming plan, coverage area and business plan, plus company documents and a tax compliance certificate.
- Submit with the application fee (KSh 5,000 commercial, KSh 1,000 community).
- Apply for a frequency on form CA-F-FSM-04.
- On approval, pay the initial licence fee and collect the licence.
- Pay the annual operating fee by 1 July every year.
First-year cost example
A new commercial FM station: KSh 5,000 + KSh 100,000 = KSh 105,000 to CA before launch, then at least KSh 80,000 a year, plus frequency fees, studio and transmitter costs, and music licences. A community station: KSh 1,000 + KSh 15,000, then KSh 15,000 a year.
Planning a media business? See our single business permit guide for the county side.
Radio station licence Kenya: planning your application
CA assesses more than paperwork. A strong application for a radio station licence Kenya regulators will approve usually shows a clear target audience and coverage area, a programme schedule with the share of local content, the studio and transmitter plan, named technical staff, and a funding plan that shows you can pay the annual operating fee and run for at least the first year without advertising income.
Budget items beyond CA fees
- Transmitter, antenna and mast rental at a broadcast site
- Studio equipment and playout software
- Music copyright licences from the collective management organisations
- Staff: presenters, producers, a technical engineer and sales
- Power backup, since dead air loses listeners and advertisers
Keeping the licence
Broadcasters must follow the programming code, keep recordings of broadcasts for the period CA requires, file returns and pay the annual fee by 1 July. Missing payments or breaching licence conditions can lead to penalties or loss of the frequency, which is the most valuable asset a station has. Diarise the 1 July deadline each year and keep audited accounts ready, because the 0.4% fee is based on turnover.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a radio station licence cost in Kenya?
Commercial FM: KSh 5,000 application, KSh 100,000 initial fee and 0.4% of turnover or KSh 80,000 a year. Community radio: KSh 1,000, KSh 15,000 and KSh 15,000 a year. Frequency fees are extra.
How long is a broadcasting licence valid in Kenya?
Ten years for radio and TV broadcasters.
When is the annual operating fee due?
On or before 1 July each year.
Who issues broadcasting licences in Kenya?
The Communications Authority of Kenya.
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