Categories: Business

Standard Media Group Faces Setback as Tribunal Upholds Licence Revocation

Standard Media Group is facing a major operational setback after the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) received approval to revoke six of its broadcasting licences over unpaid fees totaling Ksh48.9 million.

In a ruling delivered on March 27, the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal dismissed the media house’s appeal, affirming that the revocation process is lawful under the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA). The decision effectively clears the way for the regulator to proceed with cancelling the licences. The affected stations include Radio Maisha, Spice FM, Vybez Radio, Berur FM, KTN Burudani, and KTN News—key outlets in the group’s broadcast portfolio.

The tribunal cited the company’s persistent failure to settle licence fees and the Universal Service Fund levy, despite receiving multiple notices and extensions. While Standard Media Group had acknowledged the outstanding debt and proposed a payment plan, the tribunal maintained that compliance with regulatory obligations is mandatory. The ruling now places the media house at risk of losing a significant portion of its broadcast reach, underscoring the financial and regulatory pressures facing media organizations in Kenya.

Branislav Opudo

Recent Posts

KWS Launches Search as Two Stray Lions Trigger Alarm in Mlolongo

Wildlife authorities have launched an extensive tracking and search operation after two stray lions were…

4 hours ago

Opposition Leader Urges Tourists and Investors to Boycott Kenya Over Insecurity

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has urged foreign tourists and international investors…

4 hours ago

GTBank Kenya Transitions New Leadership as Managing Director’s Tenure Ends

Guaranty Trust Bank (Kenya) has announced a leadership transition following the expiry of its Managing…

21 hours ago

Airtel Africa Revives London Listing Plans for Airtel Money

Airtel Africa has revived plans to separately list Airtel Money on the London Stock Exchange.…

23 hours ago

M-Pesa Africa Returns to Profit as User Base Hits 60 Million

M-Pesa Africa has returned to profitability after posting its first operating profit since its formation.…

24 hours ago

Intense Political Activism Grips Millions of Unemployed Kenyan Youth Amidst Severe Job Crisis

Widespread economic hardship and a severe lack of formal employment opportunities are currently pushing millions…

1 day ago