Global mobile industry giants have tabled a tantalizing offer to the Kenyan government: reform your spectrum laws and unlock a staggering Ksh 662 billion economic windfall.

It is a figure that demands attention: Ksh 662 billion. That is the potential injection into Kenya`s GDP by 2028 if the government heeds the call of the GSMA to modernize its spectrum management policies. A high-level delegation from the global mobile industry body is in Nairobi this week, not for a courtesy call, but to press for critical regulatory reforms that could supercharge the country’s digital economy.

Meeting with the Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Stephen Isaboke, the GSMA team laid out a roadmap rooted in data. While Kenya boasts an impressive 98% 4G population coverage, a "usage gap" of 60% remains—meaning millions of Kenyans live under the signal but do not use the internet. The solution, according to GSMA’s Head of Spectrum Luciana Camargos, lies in the invisible highways of the airwaves: the radio spectrum.

The 2GHz Imperative

The core of the GSMA’s proposal is the release of 2GHz of mid-band spectrum. This "Goldilocks" frequency is essential for 5G deployment, offering the perfect balance between coverage and capacity. Without it, the promise of high-speed, low-latency connectivity remains a pipe dream. "If Kenya adopts international best practices in spectrum pricing and transparent roadmaps, the economic multiplier effect will be massive," Camargos stated.

The current pricing models are viewed as prohibitive, stifling investment and keeping data costs high for the average "Wanjiku." By lowering the cost of these licenses and ensuring a predictable renewal process, the government could catalyze a wave of private sector investment. The projected Ksh 150 billion in additional tax revenue alone would be a game-changer for the exchequer.

• Satellite Comms: The discussions also touched on the frontier of Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite services. While welcoming innovation, PS Isaboke emphasized that satellite tech must complement, not cannibalize, the existing terrestrial networks that telcos have spent billions building.
• The Digital Divide: The reforms are not just about speed; they are about equity. Cheaper spectrum means cheaper data, which is the key to bridging the digital divide that leaves rural Kenya offline.

A Policy Crossroads

Kenya stands at a digital crossroads. The infrastructure is largely in place, but the regulatory framework is lagging. The GSMA’s intervention is a nudge to align policy with potential.

As the delegation departs, the ball is firmly in the government’s court. The choice is stark: cling to outdated, rent-seeking spectrum policies, or open the floodgates to a Ksh 662 billion digital revolution. For an economy hungry for growth, the answer should be obvious.