The Standard Media Group has suffered a major blow after a tribunal upheld the decision to revoke several of its broadcasting licences over unpaid fees.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, March 27, the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal dismissed the media house’s appeal, clearing the way for the Communications Authority of Kenya to proceed with the licence cancellations.
Affected stations include:
- Vybez Radio
- Berur FM
- Radio Maisha
- Spice FM
- KTN Burudani
- KTN News
The dispute revolves around KSh 48.8 million in unpaid regulatory fees, including annual licence charges and the Universal Service Fund Levy.
The tribunal ruled that the regulator’s move was lawful and in line with the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA), noting that the Standard Group had repeatedly failed to settle the dues despite being granted multiple extensions.
This decision marks a significant setback for one of Kenya’s leading media houses and could have far-reaching implications for its broadcasting operations.
