A fresh battle is brewing in Kenya’s technology and communications sector as two global giants, Amazon and Uber, seek regulatory approval to expand their footprint in the country.
According to a gazette notice published by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) on June 5, Amazon Kuiper Kenya and Uber Kenya are among 12 companies that have applied for licences to offer new services in the Kenyan market.
Amazon Kuiper Kenya, a subsidiary of the global technology and e-commerce powerhouse Amazon, is seeking approval to operate under the international gateway services category. The company is owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, one of the world’s wealthiest entrepreneurs.
If granted the licence, Amazon Kuiper Kenya will be allowed to establish and operate ground-based gateway facilities that will support Project Kuiper, Amazon’s ambitious low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet network. The project aims to deliver high-speed internet access to millions of users across the globe, including underserved and remote regions.
The move could set the stage for a high-stakes rivalry between Bezos and fellow billionaire Elon Musk. Musk’s company, SpaceX, introduced its satellite internet service, Starlink, to Kenya in 2023, quickly gaining attention as an alternative to traditional internet providers.
Meanwhile, Uber Kenya is also seeking approval to venture into courier services, signalling the ride-hailing giant’s plans to diversify its offerings in the Kenyan market.
Communications Authority Director General David Mugonyi said the proposed licences would enable the applicants to provide the services outlined in their applications. He noted that the approvals could have implications for local authorities, businesses, organisations and individuals across the country.
The applications underscore Kenya’s growing attractiveness as a regional technology hub, with global corporations increasingly viewing the country as a strategic gateway into Africa’s digital economy. Should the licences be approved, consumers could soon benefit from increased competition, improved connectivity and a wider range of technology-driven services.
