Communication Authority Warns Against PSVs Used for Courier Services

The Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued a public notice expressing concerns over the unlicensed use of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) for courier operations. 

The notice has sparked uncertainty as many Kenyans heavily rely on PSVs for affordable and swift delivery of goods across the nation, a practice deeply embedded in the local commerce scene.

According to the CA, all courier services, including those potentially offered by PSVs, must adhere to proper licensing regulations. 

This directive is aimed at curtailing the widespread practice of utilizing public transport vehicles, such as buses and matatus, for parcel delivery. 

These vehicles have traditionally provided expedited, same-day delivery at economical rates, circumventing the conventional postal services, which have experienced a decline in efficiency and popularity over time.

The reliance on PSVs for parcel delivery has arisen due to the shortcomings of official postal services.

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Despite POSTA’s continued operation, its role in parcel delivery remains minimal compared to the agile and cost-efficient methods facilitated by PSVs and motorcycles. 

This informal courier system not only showcases Kenyan resourcefulness in addressing logistical hurdles but also underscores the gap left by traditional courier services in meeting the demands for swiftness and affordability.

While the CA has reiterated that PSV courier services are illegal, there remains a lack of clear guidelines on how operators can comply with these regulations. 

The focus has primarily been on the penalties for non-compliance, which may include fines of up to KES 300,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

For businesses and individuals seeking to legitimize their courier operations, the CA’s website stipulates a compliance fee of KES 30,000 or 0.4% of the turnover from audited accounts, whichever is higher.

The CA’s announcement underscores the significance of using licensed operators to ensure the safety and security of parcels. 

It also underscores the benefits of engaging authorized service providers, including access to official complaints resolution and compensation mechanisms, thereby guaranteeing a secure and dependable service experience.