By Nyang’au Araka
A dispute has emerged after the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal allowed the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to revoke six Standard Group broadcasting licences over unpaid fees.
The media house has vowed to challenge the decision in court.
Also Read
In a ruling delivered on March 27, 2026, the tribunal dismissed an appeal by The Standard Group PLC and upheld the regulator’s decision, stating that the impending revocation was “lawful, valid, and in accordance with the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA).”
The case centers on outstanding arrears amounting to KSh48.87 million, comprising licence fees and the Universal Service Fund levy accumulated over several years.
According to the CA, the broadcaster failed to meet its regulatory obligations despite multiple notices and extensions.
The tribunal noted that Standard Group had been issued with a 45-day notice of contravention in December 2023, followed by revocation notices in September 2024 after the arrears remained unpaid.
It further observed that the Authority had held several meetings with the media house in an attempt to resolve the matter, but no payments were made.
“The tribunal upheld that the Authority had given multiple opportunities over a sustained period for the Standard Media Group to regularize its position,” the CA said, adding that broadcasting frequencies are “scarce public resources” that must be regulated strictly within the law.
The ruling also dismissed claims that the regulator had acted unfairly, emphasizing that “regulatory obligations under KICA were clear and non-negotiable.”
The licences affected include those for Vybez Radio, Berur FM, Radio Maisha, Spice FM, KTN Burudani and KTN News, all of which now face possible revocation should the Authority proceed with enforcement.
However, The Standard Group has pushed back, acknowledging the ruling but insisting the matter is “far from concluded.”
In a statement issued shortly after the decision, the company said it would move to the High Court and warned the regulator against taking immediate action.
“We must categorically state that the matter is far from concluded. The Group will exercise its legal right to challenge this ruling before the superior courts,” the company said.
It further argued that the law provides for the preservation of the status quo pending appeal and cautioned the CA against “any precipitate action that would violate our constitutional rights and the public’s right to information.”
At the heart of the broadcaster’s defence is a broader financial dispute with the government.
While admitting the existence of the arrears, the company rejected the portrayal of a deliberate default, saying its financial position has been undermined by unpaid government debts.
“To date, the Government of Kenya… owes The Standard Group in excess of KShs. 1.2 billion for advertising and media services rendered,” the statement said, adding that “if the Government paid what it owes us, we would have settled our regulatory obligations long ago.”
The media house also questioned the proportionality of the regulator’s action, asking: “How does debt lead to the cancellation of licenses rather than, for instance, recovery measures?”
It maintained that it had explored payment options but prioritized operational costs, including staff salaries, amid financial strain.
The Standard Group framed the dispute as a potential threat to press freedom, describing the move as a “coordinated assault” that could send “a chilling message” to independent media.
The CA, however, maintains that the issue is strictly regulatory and rooted in compliance with statutory requirements, with the tribunal affirming that enforcement of licence conditions is essential for the orderly administration of the broadcasting sector.
