CA Allowed to Switch Off KTN, Radio Maisha and 4 Other Standard Group Stations

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) has received approval from Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal(CMAT) to revoke the licenses of Standard Group because of non-payment of regulatory fees in the amount of Ksh 48,874,524.10.

This is in compliance with the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal’s decision on March 27, 2026, where the tribunal dismissed the media house’s appeal, allowing the CA to revoke the licenses.

The actions of the tribunal have validated the CA’s claims that the revocation of the licenses was lawful as it was done in accordance with the law.

Tribunal cited the media house’s failure to clear the regulatory fees as the main reason for the revocation of the licences, citing the importance of the media house’s compliance with the law as it is mandatory.

Tribunal Upholds CA Decision

“In a ruling delivered today, the tribunal dismissed an appeal by The Standard Media Group PLC, asserting that the impending revocation was lawful, valid, and in accordance with the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA).”

The tribunal pointed to the broadcaster’s failure to remit annual licence fees and the Universal Service Fund (USF) levy over several years, noting that these obligations are clearly stipulated in licensing terms.

“The tribunal cited the media group’s failure to pay outstanding annual licence fees and the Universal Service Fund Levy over several years, despite subsequent notices of revocation by the Authority, as stipulated under the licensing terms and conditions.”

Affected licences include Vybez Radio, Berur FM, Radio Maisha, Spice FM, KTN Burudani, and KTN News.

According to the Authority, these licences require annual payments, which the media house failed to meet despite multiple extensions and concessions.

Also Read:Communication Authority Clarifies On Banning Low-Cost Phones

Notices, Deadlines and Regulatory Action

“The license was issued a Notice of Contravention of license terms and conditions, which ran for Forty-Five (45) days from December 4th, 2023, and lapsed on January 17th, 2024.”

After the expiry of the notice period and non-compliance, the Authority took further action.

“On September 24th, 2024, noting the non-clearance of the outstanding regulatory fees and the expiry of the Notices of Contravention, The Authority issued Notices of Revocation to all Standard Group PLC stations.”

The CA further disclosed that it had engaged the media house through multiple meetings in a bid to resolve the matter.

“The CA had previously indulged Standard Group in meetings held on June 14th, 2023, December 4th, 2023, and February 9th, 2024 on non-payment of regulatory fees owed to the Authority.”

Debt and Payment Dispute

Total outstanding amount remains significant, with a breakdown provided by the Authority.

“The outstanding amount is currently Ksh 48,874,524.10 comprising licence fees of Ksh 13,880,334.37 and USF levy of Ksh 34,994,189.73.”

In its appeal, Standard Media Group acknowledged the debt but argued that a payment agreement had been reached with the regulator.

“In its appeal, The Standard Media Group did not contest the debt but asserted the existence of an agreement entered on December 24, 2024, outlining a payment plan with an initial settlement of Ksh 10 million, a further Ksh 3 million upon finalizing a rights issue, and monthly payments thereafter.”

The media company further claimed that the issuance of revocation notices violated this agreement and infringed on constitutional rights.

“The Standard Media Group PLC argued that the Authority’s issuance of revocation notices breached this agreement and acted in bad faith, violating fundamental constitutional rights related to freedom of expression and public communication.”

Also Read: Story of Karen Mbugua, Lady Who Confronted Police During Sifuna’s Parallel ODM Rally

Tribunal Rejects Constitutional Claims

Tribunal, however, dismissed these claims and ruled that the Authority had acted within its mandate and had provided sufficient opportunities for compliance.

“The tribunal upheld that the Authority had given multiple opportunities over a sustained period for the Standard Media Group to regularize its position, and that regulatory obligations under KICA were clear and non-negotiable.”

Tribunal also emphasized the legal guidelines that govern the frequency of broadcasts and that these are public resources that are strictly regulated.

“The tribunal affirmed that broadcasting frequencies are scarce public resources regulated strictly under statutory frameworks, underscoring that public bodies must exercise regulatory powers reasonably and transparently.”

Court also dismissed claims of a breach of natural justice and proportionality.

“The court dismissed claims that the revocation breached principles of natural justice and proportionality, noting that the media house had ample notice and opportunities to comply.”

Tribunal also emphasized the constitutionality of the regulatory guidelines.

“Additionally, the tribunal upheld the presumption of constitutionality of the regulatory regime empowering the Authority to enforce licence conditions, reiterating that legitimate expectations cannot override statutory duties.”

Appeal Dismissed With Costs

The tribunal ultimately ruled in favour of the Communications Authority, dismissing the appeal and awarding costs to the regulator.

“The tribunal dismissed the appeal and awarded costs to the Authority, underscoring the importance of compliance with licensing conditions as fundamental to the orderly administration of the broadcasting sector in Kenya.”

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

CAK Main gate. PHOTO/ CAK X