Technology & Telecoms
Technology and telecoms lawyers for operators, SaaS and platform businesses, software developers and startups in Kenya. We advise on Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) licensing, Data Protection Act 2019 compliance and ODPC registration, SaaS and licensing agreements, IP protection, and technology M&A in “Silicon Savannah” — one of Africa’s most dynamic digital markets.
Relevant expertise: Data Protection & Privacy; Intellectual Property; Corporate & Commercial; Competition & Antitrust; Employment & Labour
How we help. We act for telecoms operators, SaaS and platform businesses, software developers and startups on Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) licensing, Data Protection Act 2019 compliance and ODPC registration, SaaS and licensing agreements, terms of service and acceptable-use policies, IP protection and assignment, technology M&A and fundraising, and the employment and immigration questions that fast-scaling tech businesses face.
Why OLM for technology and telecoms. Nairobi’s “Silicon Savannah” is the continent’s leading tech hub, and the regulatory perimeter — data protection, content, payments, competition — keeps expanding. Our combined data-protection, IP and corporate capability gives founders and investors a single team that can paper a funding round, protect the code and keep the product compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a software or SaaS business need a licence in Kenya? Pure software/SaaS generally does not require a sector licence, but data-processing triggers ODPC registration, and any communications or payment functionality may engage CA or CBK licensing. We assess the perimeter for your product.
How do startups protect their IP in Kenya? Through trade-mark registration at KIPI, copyright in code and content, well-drafted IP-assignment clauses with founders and contractors, and confidentiality agreements. We build an IP framework that protects the business as it scales.
What telecoms licences does the Communications Authority issue? The CA issues network-facility, network-service and application-service licences, as well as spectrum authorisations. We advise operators on the right licence category and manage the application process.