The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has been allowed to revoke six broadcasting licences owned by Standard Media Group PLC after a tribunal upheld its decision over unpaid fees exceeding KSh48 million.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal dismissed an appeal filed by the media house, confirming that the planned revocation is lawful and in line with the Kenya Information and Communications Act.
According to the CA, the dispute stems from long-standing unpaid licence fees and Universal Service Fund levies.
The regulator noted that despite several notices and opportunities to settle the debt, the broadcaster failed to comply with its financial obligations.
The licences affected include those for Vybez Radio, Berur FM, Radio Maisha, Spice FM, KTN Burudani, and KTN News. The authority emphasized that all broadcasters are required to meet annual licence conditions, including timely payment of fees.
The CA revealed that enforcement action began after the company failed to respond to formal notices issued in 2023. By September 2024, revocation notices had already been served, and by April 2025, the regulator had moved to formalize the process through gazettement.
The outstanding amount currently stands at KSh48.8 million, covering both licence fees and statutory levies.
Separately, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has recently raised concerns over the media house’s editorial practices, accusing it of publishing sensational and unverified headlines.
The council cited a controversial “Abducted” headline involving former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, who later dismissed claims that he had been kidnapped.
MCK warned that repeated use of unverified and provocative reporting risks eroding public trust and undermining the credibility of the media industry.
It also cautioned that attacking regulatory bodies when called out weakens accountability standards in journalism.
The developments mark a major blow to one of Kenya’s leading media houses, with the fate of its broadcast operations now hanging in the balance.
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