The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued a notice indicating its intention to revoke the licences of 45 television stations for regulatory non-compliance.

The notice, dated August 22, 2025, gives the affected broadcasters seven days before the revocations take effect.

According to the CA, once the licenses are cancelled, the stations will no longer be authorized to operate or provide broadcasting services in the country.

In addition, any spectrum frequencies or resources allocated to them under their current licenses will revert to the Authority.

Legal Grounds for Revocation

The move is anchored in Section 51 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, which empowers the regulator to revoke licences under several circumstances.

These include failure to comply with licence conditions, contravention of the Act or its regulations, failure to commence operations within the stipulated timeframe, or cessation of service delivery.

The law also allows revocation where a licensee persistently fails to provide the licensed services, is declared bankrupt or placed in liquidation, or fails to pay prescribed licence fees or charges.

The CA has stressed that compliance with licensing terms is a critical component in safeguarding the integrity and stability of Kenya’s broadcasting sector.

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Broadcasters Affected

Among those facing licence revocation are both established and emerging broadcasters spread across diverse sectors, from faith-based and business channels to entertainment and educational networks.

The list includes:

1. Apple Truth Television Network Limited (Apple Truth Television Network)
2. Comprehensive Business Media Limited (Metropol TV)
3. Corporate Media Communications Limited (Corporate Media TV)
4. Dominion Generation Limited (DG TV)
5. Fanaka Television Limited (Fanaka TV)
6. Mount Kenya Media Limited (Mount Kenya TV)
7. Safina TV Limited (Safina Television)
8. Wananchi Television Network Limited (Wananchi TV)
9. 009 Television Limited (009 TV)
10. Ace Television Limited (Ace TV)
11. Admerline Construction Limited (Superflex Television)

Other affected outlets include Doxa TV, Masai TV, Ziwa TV, Kokwo Television, Manifestation TV, Safari Channel, Mbugi TV, Sawa Television, Soko TV, Ukweli TV Kenya, Value TV, and Thjiwe TV, among others.

Implications for Kenya’s Media Landscape

The revocation of such a large number of television licences is expected to significantly impact Kenya’s broadcasting space, which has seen rapid expansion in recent years due to digital migration and increased demand for diverse content.

Industry observers note that while the CA’s decision underscores the importance of regulatory compliance, it may also reignite debate on the challenges smaller broadcasters face in sustaining operations under stringent licensing conditions.

The Authority has not disclosed whether the affected broadcasters may appeal the decision or seek reinstatement by addressing the cited compliance gaps.

CAK Director, David Kemei. PHOTO/ CAK X.