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The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has now published a notice showing that Airtel’s applications for two key permits are still awaiting approval, despite the company saying in August that it had secured a new 25-year licence. The CA says the applications for a Network Facilities Provider Tier 1 (NFPT1) licence and an International Gateway Systems and Services (IGSS) authorisation are open for public submissions until September 28, 2026, after which the regulator can make a decision.
The NFPT1 permit allows Airtel to deploy communications infrastructure across Kenya, including data centres, while the IGSS authorisation covers satellite-related services and technology. And that second one is particularly important right now because Airtel is preparing to bring Starlink Direct-to-Cell connectivity to Kenya. Airtel and SpaceX successfully tested satellite-powered data and messaging in Kenya in March 2026, but a successful test doesn’t mean the service can simply go live without regulatory approval.
For customers, the bigger story is what Airtel could eventually do with the satellite partnership. The idea is to let compatible phones stay connected in places where Airtel’s terrestrial network doesn’t reach, without customers needing a Starlink dish. Airtel Africa launched its first commercial Starlink Mobile service in the DRC in August 2026, but the company has said rollouts across its other markets will depend on local regulatory approvals.
So Kenya is now stuck at an interesting point: Airtel has tested the