NAIROBI, Kenya — The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has initiated the revocation of broadcasting licences held by Standard Group PLC over an outstanding regulatory debt of approximately Sh48.87 million.
The move targets several of the media house’s outlets, including KTN News, KTN Burudani, Radio Maisha, Spice FM, Berur FM and Vybez Radio.
According to regulatory notices, the debt comprises unpaid licence fees and Universal Service Fund (USF) levies, which the authority says the broadcaster failed to remit within the required timelines.
Regulator cites non-compliance
In a letter signed by CA Director General David Mugonyi, the authority indicated it would proceed to publish a notice in the Kenya Gazette revoking all broadcasting licences issued to the company.
The regulator maintained that despite several reminders, the broadcaster had neither fully settled the outstanding amount nor complied with required regulatory obligations.
The total outstanding fees were detailed at about Sh48.7 million, covering both licence fees and statutory levies.
Dispute over payment plan
However, Standard Group has disputed the decision, arguing that it had already entered into a repayment agreement with the regulator and had begun servicing the debt.
The media house says it made an initial payment of Sh10 million and continued with monthly remittances under a structured plan, which it claims was being honoured.
It further accused authorities of acting in bad faith and suggested the move could be linked to its editorial stance and critical coverage of government affairs.
Operations at risk
If effected, the revocation would disrupt operations across the group’s television and radio platforms, significantly impacting one of Kenya’s largest media organisations.
The development has also raised concerns over media freedom and regulatory overreach, with industry players warning of potential implications for press independence.
The dispute has previously spilled into legal forums, with the broadcaster seeking intervention to halt the revocation process.
In earlier proceedings, a tribunal temporarily suspended the regulator’s move pending a full hearing, highlighting the contentious nature of the standoff.
As the situation unfolds, the fate of the broadcaster’s licences now hangs on regulatory enforcement and potential legal outcomes, in what could become a landmark case for Kenya’s media sector.
