The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has announced plans to revoke the broadcasting licences of 42 television stations for failing to comply with regulatory requirements.
TV Stations Facing Closure
In a gazette notice issued on Friday, CA Director General David Mugonyi said the revocation will take effect within the next seven days, in line with the Kenya Information and Communications Act (Cap. 411).
Some of the notable TV stations listed include:
- Metropol TV
- Mount Kenya TV
- Kingdom Ambassadors TV
- Tourism and Wildlife TV (Safari Channel)
Once the licences are cancelled, the affected broadcasters will be barred from operating, and their assigned resources will revert to the CA.
“Upon revocation of the licences, the licensees shall not be authorised to operate and provide the services as indicated in the table above,” Mugonyi stated.
Why Stations Risk Losing Licences
The regulator cited several grounds that could lead to the closure of broadcasters, including:
- Failure to pay licence fees
- Inability to establish required broadcasting infrastructure
- Breaches of broadcasting standards
- Airing inappropriate or unapproved content
The move underscores the CA’s mandate to enforce compliance and safeguard Kenya’s broadcasting sector.
Previous Crackdowns
This is not the first time media houses have faced regulatory threats. In May 2025, the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) warned that 23 TV stations, including Kameme TV, risked closure for violating betting advertisement regulations. Despite earlier directives, the stations reportedly continued airing gambling-related content with mobile payment prompts.
What’s Next
Media analysts warn that the revocation of licences could significantly affect the diversity of Kenya’s broadcasting space. However, the CA maintains that compliance with set laws and standards is non-negotiable.
