CA Opens Regulatory Sandbox for Tech Innovators

Kenya, July 7, 2027 -  The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has invited innovators, entrepreneurs, tech companies, and researchers to apply for admission into the Emerging Technologies Regulatory Sandbox for the 2026/2027 financial year.

In a notice on Tuesday, the authority said that the  Sandbox will provide a regulated ecosystem where innovators can test new digital communication products, services, and business models that may not have met the existing regulatory frameworks before they are rolled out to the market.

Applicants must submit a completed online application form, along with business registration documents, director/founder details, management CVs, a detailed business model, and an exit strategy, to be enrolled in the programme.

“The Emerging Technologies Regulatory Sandbox also enables collaboration between innovators and the regulator across broadcasting, cybersecurity, multimedia, telecommunications, e-commerce, postal and courier services,” the authority stated.

The CA said that the applications are currently open to projects across a wide range of emerging technology fields, including next-generation networks (5G/6G applications), Internet of Things (IoT), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications, Over-the-Top (OTT) services, and digital broadcasting and content delivery innovations.

Others include cybersecurity solutions and tools, spectrum management and sharing technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) applications in information and communications, as well as accessibility technologies for underserved and unserved populations in Kenya.

 The authority has said that the applicants should submit their applications through the CA’s Emerging Technologies Regulatory Sandbox portal before July 30, 2026.


“The CA is also responsible for managing the country's numbering and frequency spectrum resources, administering the Universal Service Fund (USF) as well as safeguarding the interests of consumers of ICT services,” the authority stated
“As the ICT industry regulator, the Authority is committed to fostering innovation, promoting market growth and enhancing consumer protection in Kenya's dynamic information and communications sector,” it added.

Various countries have already leveraged this framework across different sectors, including the Saudi CST for industrial tech and the European Union for compliance with the EU AI Act.