The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) has been given the green light to revoke six broadcasting licences belonging to Standard Media Group following a protracted dispute over unpaid regulatory fees amounting to Sh48.87 million.
In a press release issued on March 27, 2026, in Nairobi, the Authority confirmed that the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal dismissed an appeal filed by the media house, effectively paving the way for the revocation.
“The tribunal has today given the Communications Authority of Kenya the go-ahead to revoke six (6) Standard Media Group’s broadcasting licences over arrears amounting to Sh48,874,524.10,” part of the statement read.
According to the ruling, the tribunal found that the impending revocation was “lawful, valid, and in accordance with the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA).”
The decision followed years of non-compliance by the media group despite multiple notices and extensions issued by the Authority.
The CAK revealed that the debt comprises licence fees of Sh13,880,334.37 and a Universal Service Fund (USF) levy of Sh34,994,189.73.
The Authority further noted that Standard Media Group had failed to honour its financial obligations “over several years, despite subsequent notices of revocation.”
The licences affected include those for Vybez Radio, Berur FM, Radio Maisha, Spice FM, KTN Burudani, and KTN News.
These stations are required to remit annual fees and levies under their licensing terms, conditions the Authority says were repeatedly breached.
“The licences require annual remittance of fees and levies, conditions which the Standard Media Group failed to meet despite several extensions and concessions by the Authority,” the statement added.
Documents indicate that the regulator had earlier issued a Notice of Contravention lasting 45 days from December 4, 2023, which lapsed on January 17, 2024. Following continued non-payment, formal Notices of Revocation were issued on September 24, 2024.
The Authority also disclosed that multiple engagements had been held with the media house, including meetings on June 14, 2023, December 4, 2023, and February 9, 2024, all aimed at resolving the issue of outstanding fees.
Despite this, the debt remained unsettled. On April 9, 2025, CAK informed Standard Group that it would proceed with publishing a notification in the Kenya Gazette to formalize the revocation process.
In its defense, Standard Media Group did not deny the debt but argued that there had been an agreement reached on December 24, 2024, outlining a structured payment plan.
This included an initial settlement of Sh10 million, followed by Sh3 million after resolving a rights issue, and subsequent monthly payments.
The media house further claimed that the issuance of revocation notices breached this agreement and was carried out in bad faith, infringing on constitutional rights related to freedom of expression and public communication.
However, the tribunal dismissed these claims, stating that the Authority had provided “multiple opportunities over a sustained period” for the company to regularize its position.
It emphasized that regulatory obligations under KICA are “clear and non-negotiable.”
“The tribunal affirmed that broadcasting frequencies are scarce public resources regulated strictly under statutory frameworks,” the statement noted, adding that enforcement must be conducted “reasonably and transparently.”
Additionally, the tribunal rejected arguments that the revocation violated principles of natural justice, pointing out that the media house had adequate notice and sufficient opportunity to comply.
In its final determination, the tribunal upheld the Authority’s mandate, reiterating that “legitimate expectations cannot override statutory duties.”
It also awarded costs to the Communications Authority, underscoring the importance of compliance in maintaining order within Kenya’s broadcasting sector.
“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,” the statement concluded.
The decision now sets the stage for the possible shutdown of the affected stations unless the outstanding arrears are settled or further legal interventions are pursued.
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