The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued a warning to landlords, property owners and managers against limiting or denying access to licensed telecommunication service providers in their premises.

The CA Director General David Mugonyi, in a statement, said denying access to service providers in premises is in contravention of Articles 33, 34 and 35 of the Constitution, which grants free access to information and communication systems to the public.

“We wish to notify the public that denying access or limiting access or locking specific service providers in premises is in contravention to the Constitution of Kenya Chapter Four on Bill of Rights Articles 33, 34 & 35 that grant free access to information and communication systems of any nature by members of the public. The Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, further prohibits denial of access to communication services and requires provision of equal opportunity for access the same type and quality of service to all customers,” he said.

Mugonyi therefore directed landlords, property owners and managers not to deny or limit access, or lock in specific telecommunication service providers or service in premises. He asked that all licenced service providers be given equal access to provide services to consumers.

Additionally, landlords, managers and property owners have been asked to guarantee safety and ensure no vandalism on installed communication systems and services within premises.

Telecommunication service providers, on the other hand, have been directed to produce a certificate issued by CA to the contact office of the utilising premise.