The Kenya Gazette
4notify Kenya · Published by Authority
GAZETTE NOTICE · Communications Authority · Operators
Gazette No
KG-KE-002
Date
2026-05-27
Status
In force
Category
Telecommunications

CA numbering plan, alphanumeric sender ID and A2P routing into Kenya

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) regulates the +254 numbering plan and the sender-ID register. Three networks cover the country: Safaricom, Airtel Kenya and Telkom Kenya. 4notify routes through tier-1 international gateways to all three, registers the alphanumeric sender ID and checks the reserved-ID list at the API edge.

SMSVoice
Preamble

Section 1 — IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by the Kenya Information and Communications Act (Cap. 411A) and the National Numbering Plan administered by the Communications Authority, this Gazette Notice is issued concerning A2P SMS traffic into Kenya and the registration of the sender identifier.

Statutory basis
Kenya Information and Communications Act (Cap. 411A)

Competence of the Communications Authority over the numbering plan and sender-identification rules.

National Numbering Plan (CA)

Allocation of +254 ranges, mobile numbering and short codes.

Consumer Protection Regulations (CA)

Quality, identification and traceability obligations for A2P traffic.

Implementation
01

CA registration + operator contracts

4notify is registered with the CA as a messaging provider and holds sender-ID contracts with all three operators.

02

Alphanumeric sender ID registration

Brands register their sender ID (e.g. "EQUITY", "POSTA") with the operators. Requirements: registered trademark, sample message. Activation: 5-10 business days.

03

Reserved-ID list enforcement

Banks, public bodies and emergency services can never be impersonated as sender. 4notify mirrors the reserved-ID list at the API edge every 5 minutes.

04

Opt-out keyword processing

On every commercial message, STOP and UNSUBSCRIBE keywords are processed within 3 days and reflected in the suppression list.

Delivery envelope
json
{
  "event": "sms.delivery",
  "to": "+254712345678",
  "sender_id": "POSTAKE",
  "sender_token": "KE-BRAND-2026-POSTAKE-3001234",
  "text": "Posta Kenya: parcel 481923 is out for delivery. Track: posta.co.ke/abc. Reply STOP to opt out.",
  "reserved_id_checked": true,
  "operator_route": "safaricom_gateway"
}
Sample message
SMS

Posta Kenya: your parcel 481923 is out for delivery and arrives today. Track: posta.co.ke/abc. Reply STOP to opt out.

Compliance checklist
  • Messaging-provider registration with CA in force
  • Alphanumeric sender ID registered on all three operators
  • Reserved-ID list verification at the API edge (cache ≤5 min)
  • STOP processing within 3 days documented
The 4notify difference

4notify is the only A2P provider with simultaneous sender-ID coverage on Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom Kenya plus reserved-ID list verification at the API edge under the CA National Numbering Plan.

Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Kenyan company to send SMS to Kenya?

No. 4notify operates the tier-1 gateways from European infrastructure. Sender-ID registration requires a brand with demonstrable ownership; we help with the application to the operators.

What is the reserved-ID list and why does it matter?

It is the list of protected identifiers (banks, government, emergencies) that cannot be impersonated. 4notify checks it before every send to prevent impersonation fraud.

Published
4notify Operations Department
2026-05-27 · KG-KE-002

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