On 9th August 2025, the Radio Society of Kenya relaunched its radio amateur examination as the Kenya Amateur Radio Examination (KARE), which is solely administered by RSK as per the 2023 Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Amateur Radio Licensing Guidelines: Required Qualifications and Licence Categories. In doing this, a new chapter in local amateur radio certification in Kenya began.

Getting here / Background

The journey to the KARE began in 2021, developing through the Covid years to what it is today. Key to its development was the refinement of the guidelines governing amateur radio in Kenya, which resulted in the development of the 2023 Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Amateur Radio Licensing Guidelines. Subsequently, and following global best practice, the Novice examination was abolished, and its question pool updated to become the Foundation level examination. Having achieved this, the next steps are the development of both the Intermediate and Full examination components of the KARE.

Examination format

Participation is either in-person or remote, and delivery is online and automated, wherever network connectivity is possible. Verified results are given immediately after the examination. With enthusiasts able to participate from across the country, this format is intended to increase participation in amateur radio communications, grow membership and increase activity on the airwaves.

Preparation materials include the examination pool shared as multiple-choice quizzes (divided as sections), tutorial documents on the content, an audio overview (podcast) of the content, additional links, and actual feedback from members.

Examination Centres

Currently, the two centres are in Nairobi and in Mombasa. There is the opportunity to open other centres across the nation, including mobile ones (two or more VE’s at any location).

Examiners (KARE VE’s)

The Kenya Amateur Radio Examiners Volunteer Examiners (KARE VEs) are Intermediate or Full licensed volunteer members of the RSK or Kenya amateur radio clubs who administer the examination in accordance with the RSK examination guidelines.

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Become a KARE Volunteer Examiner (KARE VEs)

  • Be a licensed intermediate or full licensed amateur operator.
  • Join the RSK or a Kenya amateur radio club.
  • Volunteer your time
  • Commit to a minimum of two (2) in-person or virtual examination sessions per year.