14 June 2022

Airtel Kenya has forked out US$5m (Sh581m) to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) as part payment for its operating and spectrum licence running from 2015-2025.

The operator now has a balance of US$15m (Sh1.7bn), which it is expected to settle over the next three years. The latest tranche adds to a recent US$10m (Sh1.1bn) for a separate spectrum increase and which it will be allowed to use for a decade.

Cumulative pay outs to the regulator stand at US$15m (Sh1.7bn).

“Under this agreement, Airtel Kenya agreed to pay a total of $20 million (Sh2.3bn) in four instalments over the next three years,” the telco’s parent firm Airtel Africa said in a statement. “The first instalment of US$5m (Sh581m) has been paid and for the balance amount, a deferred payment liability has been recognised in the consolidated financial statements.”

The payments are the outcome of an out-of-court settlement with the Kenyan government.