NAIROBI, Kenya — A storm is brewing in Kenya’s media landscape as the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) inches closer to revoking all broadcast licences held by Standard Group PLC, one of the country’s oldest and most influential media houses.
At the heart of the fallout? A disputed Sh48 million debt, simmering political tensions, and a media house unwilling to be muzzled.
In a letter dated April 9, the CA’s Director General David Mugonyi notified Standard Group of the authority’s intent to publish a Kenya Gazette notice that would effectively terminate all of the company’s broadcasting rights, including KTN News and The Standard newspaper.
The stated reason? Non-payment of licence fees and contributions to the Universal Service Fund (USF).
But behind the formalities, a bigger question looms: Is this really about money—or media independence?
According to the CA, Standard Group has defaulted on its regulatory obligations, including USF levies. However, the media house says it’s not only aware of the debt—but has already been paying it off.
Why the government wants to shut down Standard Group. Read more on: rgk.co.ke/news-and-polit… #HomeOfHardTruths
In December 2024, it entered a formal agreement with the regulator to clear the Sh48 million balance, committing to monthly payments of Sh2.5 million, which was later bumped up to Sh4 million.
“We’ve paid Sh10 million in December and another Sh4 million each in January and February,” said Chief Executive Editor Chaacha Mwita. “We’ve honored the deal. So, this abrupt move to revoke our licences reeks of malice.”
The CA’s decision to reject the payment plan and move forward with revocation has left Standard Group crying foul—and suggesting political interference is at play.
Mwita says the move by the CA isn’t just about fees—it’s retaliation for the Group’s hard-hitting journalism.
In recent months, Standard Group outlets have published investigations exposing alleged corruption and governance failures within President William Ruto’s administration.
“We’re not in the business of sugar-coating reality,” Mwita added. “We hold a mirror to society, and sometimes that reflection makes those in power uncomfortable.”
The Group’s official statement echoed that sentiment, calling the move “an attempt to stifle independent journalism.” Since its founding in 1902, Standard Group has built a reputation for bold reporting, and Mwita insists they’re not backing down now.
The timing, critics note, is suspicious. In March, the Ministry of Irrigation abruptly canceled a media contract awarded to Standard Group—despite a competitive selection process.
That followed waves of coordinated online attacks against the Group and its journalists, allegedly orchestrated by political operatives.
Ministry of ICT cancels adverts to Standard Media Group; PS Edward Kisiang’ani directs engagement with The Star, Cape Media, Nation and KBC.
A Billion-Shilling Irony and a Legal Lifeline
Here’s the kicker: while the government demands Sh48 million from Standard Group, the media company says it is owed a whopping Sh1.2 billion in unpaid advertising revenue by ministries, state agencies, and county governments.
“You want to cripple our operations over Sh48 million while ignoring your own debt of over a billion? That’s not just unfair. It’s absurd,” said one senior editor, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Standard Group has now taken the matter to the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal, seeking an injunction to block the Kenya Gazette notice.
The outcome could be a landmark test for media independence in Kenya.
As this regulatory showdown unfolds, Standard Group remains defiant. “We are not going anywhere,” Mwita said. “We will not compromise our editorial values and independence. The public deserves the truth—and we will continue to deliver it.”
Whether this standoff ends with revoked licences or a reaffirmation of press freedom, one thing is clear: the future of independent journalism in Kenya is now center stage.
