Amazon LEO Applies for Kenya Telecom Licence to Enter Broadband Market

Amazon’s satellite internet project, Project Kuiper, now rebranded as Amazon LEO, is seeking regulatory approval in Kenya as part of its broader expansion across Africa. The company has applied to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) for a Network Facilities Provider (NFP) Tier 2 licence. A regulatory notice dated April 17, 2026, states that the licence would allow Amazon to build and operate telecom infrastructure nationwide through its local unit, Amazon Kuiper Kenya Limited.

The move follows recent progress in Nigeria. In January 2026, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) granted Project Kuiper a seven-year licence covering satellite transmission, internet services, and international data gateway operations. While that approval cleared the way for operations to begin in February, commercial services have not yet launched. Kenya is now emerging as another key entry point as Amazon looks to establish a presence in Africa’s broadband market.

Licence Structure and Regulatory Requirements

Kenya’s Tier 2 licence is aimed at companies that build backbone infrastructure such as fibre networks, towers, and data systems. Although it does not carry the same scope as top-tier licences used by major operators like Safaricom, it still allows nationwide operations. However, spectrum must be applied for on a location-by-location basis rather than through a single national allocation.

For Amazon, this framework would enable deployment of infrastructure across all 47 counties, combining fibre backhaul with satellite-linked stations. The licence runs for 15 years and requires an upfront fee of KES 15 million (about $115,000), alongside an annual levy of 0.4% of gross turnover. Kenyan regulations also require at least 30% local ownership, although foreign firms are typically given three years to comply. In addition, applicants must establish a local entity, submit a rollout plan, and meet tax obligations.

Rising Competition in Satellite Internet

Amazon’s planned entry comes as satellite internet gains traction in Kenya. SpaceX’s Starlink has already become the country’s eighth-largest internet service provider, with just over 22,000 subscribers as of December 2025. It operates under several licences, including International Gateway Systems and Services, Landing Rights Authorisation, and Application Service Provider approvals.

Although its overall market share remains below 0.9%, Starlink leads in the high-speed segment, accounting for more than half of connections exceeding 100 Mbps. This growth has been driven by flexible pricing models, including instalment plans and hardware rentals, which lower the barrier to entry for households and small businesses. If approved, Amazon LEO’s arrival would increase competition across Kenya’s broadband market, not only among satellite providers but also against established players such as Jamii Telecommunications and Safaricom.

Public Impact and Regulatory Notice

In its notice, the CAK stated that granting the licence could have implications for the public, businesses, and local authorities across the country.