Matatus offering courier services to various destinations across Kenya without the requisite permits have been put on notice by the Communications Authority (CA) of Kenya.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the CA cited its mandate in oversight of both domestic and cross-border e-commerce activities, including the issuance of permits to national and international courier services providers.

Director-General David Mugonyi noted that courier service providers operating without the required approvals risk fines of up to Kes300,000 or a jail term of up to one year for breaching provisions of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.

"It has come to the attention of the Authority that a number of unauthorised Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Saccos and e-commerce players are offering courier services without obtaining the requisite license from the Authority," Mr Mugonyi stated.

Further, the authority asked Kenyans to exercise caution and only transact with licensed courier service providers to guarantee recourse in the case of loss or damage of goods.

Currently, the authority has published on its website a list of duly authorized courier service providers. As of January 2023, CA had authorised 261 courier service providers. "By patronising duly authorised operators, consumers benefit from security of prescribed complaints resolution and compensation mechanisms, ensuring a secure and reliable service experience," the Authority explained.

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