CA Introduces Changes to Aircraft Radio Licences

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has announced changes to the expiry dates of Aircraft Radio Licenses in a move aimed at improving safety compliance in the aviation sector.

In a public notice issued in collaboration with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) on April 28,2026, the Authority stated that the new system will align Aircraft Radio License validity with the Certificate of Airworthiness (COA).

The changes will take effect from July 1, 2026, and are expected to streamline licensing processes and improve regulatory compliance among aircraft operators.

Communications Authority New Licensing Cycle

CA said the current system-where Aircraft Radio Licenses expire annually on June 30 will be replaced with a synchronized model linked to the validity period of each aircraft’s Certificate of Airworthiness.

The Authority explained,“Effective July 1st, 2026, the Communications Authority of Kenya will transition from the fixed June 30th annual expiry of Aircraft Radio Licenses to a system where the license duration will be synchronized with the validity period of the Certificate of Airworthiness.”

This change is expected to reduce compliance gaps and ensure that aircraft documentation remains valid across regulatory agencies.

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Transitional Licensing After June 30, 2026

The Authority outlined a transition process to ensure aircraft operators adjust smoothly to the new licensing structure.

Under the transitional plan:

• After current licenses expire on June 30, 2026, operators who settle required fees will receive an initial license.
• This license will remain valid until 30 days after the expiry date of the current COA.

The 30-day grace period is designed to allow operators enough time to renew their Certificate of Airworthiness before applying for the aligned Aircraft Radio License.

“This one-time 30-day grace period is intended to allow operators sufficient time to renew their COA before applying for the aligned aircraft radio license,” CA said.

Issuance of New 12-Month Licenses

Once operators renew their Certificate of Airworthiness and submit it to the Authority, a new Aircraft Radio License will be issued.

The notice states that:

• The new license will be valid for 12 months.
• Its validity period will match the Certificate of Airworthiness timeline.
• No additional frequency fees will be charged if the alignment occurs within the same financial year.

Future Renewal Cycles to Follow Standard Timeline

After the one-time transition, all Aircraft Radio Licenses will follow a standard renewal cycle aligned with the Certificate of Airworthiness.

The Authority said the system will include a built-in 30-day buffer, allowing operators time to renew documentation without creating compliance gaps.

Officials emphasized that the new approach aims to ensure smooth coordination between aviation regulatory bodies.

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CA Requirements for License Renewal

Aircraft operators seeking renewal will be required to submit the following documents:

• A valid Certificate of Airworthiness (COA) issued by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
• A valid Radio Survey Report issued by KCAA
• Proof of payment of prescribed annual license fees

Authority Encourages Operators to Seek Clarification

The Communications Authority of Kenya urged aircraft operators to prepare early for the changes and seek clarification where necessary to avoid compliance issues.

For additional information, operators can contact the Authority through its official communication channels provided in the notice.

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CA Public Notice on Aircraft Radio Licence Change change in expiry date
PHOTO/MyGov