Digital courier platforms including Uber, Bolt, Glovo, and Little face tight state monitoring starting next month, as new regulatory rules mandate parcel verification and open customer delivery logs to state agencies.

The revised framework issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) requires app-based delivery services to record parcel contents alongside the official identity details of senders and recipients.

The resulting databases will be furnished to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the National Police Service upon request to combat tax evasion and stop illicit cargo.

The policy closes regulatory loopholes created by rapid e-commerce growth, ending the unmonitored movement of physical goods across cities.

Law enforcement officials cite the need to curb the transit of unregistered firearms and illicit drugs, while the tax authority targets unregistered commercial transactions hidden behind peer-to-peer delivery options.

"The Communications Authority has issued new licence requirements that demand online courier platforms record the contents of parcels, sender details, and information on the recipients," wrote Dennis Musau, Technology Correspondent for Nation Media Group. "The firms will keep records that shall be furnished to the regulator, the Kenya Revenue Authority, and police upon request, signalling the crackdown on illicit goods and tax cheats."

Under the updated structure, the CA established a dedicated 10-year "Courier Hailing Service Provider" licence.

Digital platforms connecting customers to drivers must pay an initial licensing fee of KES 100,000 and an annual operating fee of KES 100,000 or 0.4 percent of gross annual turnover, whichever is higher. Application processing adds an initial KES 5,000 fee.

The rules also extend to localized delivery groups. Formal associations and SACCOs representing individual boda-boda operators can acquire National Courier Operator licenses for KES 30,000 initial fees.

Platforms must establish verified declaration processes before riders accept packages. Failure to log, retain, or provide package details to inspecting officers will result in regulatory sanctions or revocation of operating licenses under the Communications Act.

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Tax evasion Illicit goods New licensing rules Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)