Nairobi: Kenya’s State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke has been elected as Chairman of the African Preparatory Process for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027.
According to Kenya News Agency, the announcement was made on August 12, 2025, during the 2nd African Preparatory Meeting for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27) and the 10th Sub-Sahara Spectrum Management Conference. PS Isaboke succeeded Mr. Kanono Ramashamole, Principal Secretary for ICT of the Kingdom of Lesotho, at the meeting currently taking place in Nairobi.
As Chairman, Mr. Isaboke is tasked with leading Africa’s strategic and technical coordination, including harmonizing regional positions and advocating for Africa’s interests in global spectrum and satellite orbit negotiations. In his speech during the handover, Isaboke emphasized that strengthening Africa’s position for WRC-27 will ensure the continent is well-prepared to influence decisions impacting global spectrum and satellite orbit allocation, critical resources for broadcasting, telecommunications, and economic development.
Isaboke highlighted that the Nairobi meeting would also reflect on Africa’s performance in WRC-23, identifying lessons learned and refining strategies for the upcoming conference. He stated, “Today, we advance the progress initiated during APM27-1. We assess our gains, consolidate common positions, and chart a unified way forward together,” adding that the government and other stakeholders recognize spectrum’s potential to unlock participation in the digital economy and enhance livelihoods.
He further noted that key focus areas for APM27-2 include prioritizing the protection and acquisition of high-value spectrum bands and orbital slots to expand broadband, support remote services, and drive digital inclusion by exploring the potential of D2D technologies that enable satellites to connect directly to mobile phones. The conference will also address Africa-specific spectrum issues, including efficient spectrum refarming, harmonization of mobile broadband bands for 5G and future 6G, expansion of satellite broadband and broadcasting services, and protection of critical services tied to national security and socio-economic resilience.
Principal Secretary for ICT of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Mr. Kanono Ramashamole, expressed confidence in the leadership of PS Isaboke, noting that APM27-2, with the steadfast support of stakeholders, will deliver even greater outcomes. He remarked, “As I pass the baton to the incoming Chair, I do so with optimism. A connected Africa, empowered by technology and united by purpose, is ready to lead on the global stage,” while also recognizing the members of the Bureau for their support, collaboration, and guidance throughout this cycle.
Communication Authority of Kenya Director General, Mr. David Mugonyi, disclosed that Kenya has engaged diverse stakeholders, ranging from government, industry, and community leaders towards developing a clear, inclusive plan to bring WRC-23 decisions to life. He noted, “Over the years, our licensing frameworks have evolved to be transparent, flexible, and investor friendly, and we are pioneering initiatives like dynamic spectrum access and private enterprise networks that open new frontiers for technology and growth.”
Mugonyi pointed out that challenges and opportunities in spectrum management extend beyond national borders, emphasizing the importance of the conference in bringing people together, sharing ideas, building common positions, and moving forward as one African community. He concluded by acknowledging the approaching 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference, which will bring new challenges, such as direct-to-device connectivity, growing demand for mid- and high-band frequencies, and the need to protect essential broadcasting and safety services.
