NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya could soon have eight new free-to-air television stations after the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) received applications from companies seeking commercial broadcasting licences.
The applications were published in Gazette Notice No. 10603 under the Kenya Information and Communications Act (Cap. 411A), marking the beginning of the statutory licensing process.
According to the Gazette notice, the applicants are seeking licences to operate commercial free-to-air television services in different parts of the country.
“Notice is given that the following applicants have, pursuant to the provisions of the Kenya Information and Communications Act Cap. 411A, made applications to the Communications Authority of Kenya for grant of the licenses,” the notice states.
Applicants Seeking TV Licences
The eight companies that have applied for commercial free-to-air television licences are:
- Talizey Media Limited – Nairobi
- City of Wonders Limited – Litein, Kericho County
- Tehiz Company Limited – Kajiado
- Khalid TV and Radio Station Limited – Nairobi
- Grace Grid Ventures Limited – Nairobi
- Picha Media Limited – Madaraka, Nairobi
- Prince Amani Media Limited – Nairobi
- Gavriel Consultants Limited – Kisumu
The applications do not automatically grant the companies authority to begin broadcasting, as each must undergo the Communications Authority’s evaluation process before a licence can be issued.
Other Applications Received
Besides the television licence applications, the Communications Authority also published a licence renewal application from GOtv Kenya Limited, which operates a subscription broadcasting service.
The regulator also received an application from Excellent Errands Supplies & seeking a licence to operate as a national postal and courier service provider.
How the Licensing Process Works
Under the Kenya Information and Communications Act, companies seeking broadcasting licences must submit detailed applications to the Communications Authority, including corporate information, technical proposals and evidence of financial capacity.
Once an application is received, the Authority is required to publish it in the Kenya Gazette to notify the public and invite comments or objections from stakeholders.
The publication allows members of the public, industry players and other interested parties to scrutinise the applications before the regulator makes its decision.
Following the public notice period, the Communications Authority assesses each application against several criteria, including technical capability, financial viability, compliance with broadcasting regulations, governance standards and local content requirements.
Only applicants that satisfy all regulatory requirements are granted broadcasting licences.
Licensed broadcasters are then required to comply with ongoing obligations, including payment of regulatory fees, submission of periodic reports and adherence to programming and broadcasting standards.
The Communications Authority also retains the power to suspend or revoke licences where operators fail to comply with the law or licensing conditions.