By Peter Ochieng
Long and short distance Public Service Vehicle (PSVs) including matatus and e-commerce players offering courier services without first obtaining the requisite licence from the Communications Authority of Kenya, have been put on notice.
A public notice by CA Director General David Mugonyi warned that hefty fines will be meted out to those operating illegally.
In addition, Mugonyi stated that CA has the option of having the culprits jailed for a term not exceeding one year.
“It has come to the attention of the Authority that a number of unauthorized Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Saccos and e-commerce players are offering courier services without obtaining the requisite license from the Authority. Pursuant to Section 49 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, any person found contravening these provisions commits an offence and shall be subject to penalties upon conviction. Such penalties include a fine not exceeding Sh300,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both.”
He added that members of the public have a huge role to play, in ensuring that only licenced PSV saccos operate courier services, which entail delivering packages in various parts of the country.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to engage the services of licensed postal and courier operators to ensure the safety of their items and mitigate other risks associated with engaging unauthorized service providers. The public is further encouraged to verify the validity of courier service providers by demanding to view a valid compliance certificate issued by Authority,” added the DG.
“By patronizing duly authorized operators, consumers benefit from security of prescribed complaints resolution and compensation mechanisms, ensuring a secure and reliable service experience.”
He noted that Kenyans risk losing the packages without being compensated, by doing business with illegal courier service providers.
He said a register of all licensed courier providers, along with their market structure and administration framework, is available on the authority’s website – https://www.ca.go.ke/