CA to Revoke Licences for Radio Maisha, Spice FM & KTN News Over Ksh 48M Debt

CA to Revoke Licences for Radio Maisha, Spice FM & KTN News Over Ksh 48M Debt

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has been granted approval to revoke six broadcasting licences held by Standard Media Group over unpaid regulatory fees amounting to Ksh48.9 million, following a decisive ruling by the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal.

In a judgment delivered on Friday, March 27, the tribunal dismissed an appeal by the media house, paving the way for the regulator to proceed with revocation of licences for Radio Maisha, Spice FM, Vybez Radio, Berur FM, KTN Burudani, and KTN News.

The tribunal found that the regulator acted within the law, ruling that the proposed action was consistent with the provisions of the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA).

“The planned revocation was lawful, valid, and aligned with the Kenya Information and Communications Act,” the tribunal stated in its decision.

According to the ruling, the media group failed to meet its statutory obligation to pay annual licence fees and the Universal Service Fund (USF) levy over several years, despite repeated reminders, extensions, and engagement by the regulator.

Broadcast licences in Kenya require annual payment of regulatory fees as a condition for continued operation. The tribunal heard that Standard Media Group had been notified multiple times about its non-compliance but did not clear the arrears within the stipulated timelines.

A formal Notice of Contravention was issued to the company on December 4, 2023, giving the broadcaster 45 days to remedy the breach. The notice expired on January 17, 2024, without full settlement of the outstanding amounts.

Following continued non-payment, the CA issued Notices of Revocation to the affected stations on September 24, 2024. These notices came after the earlier contravention period had lapsed and regulatory fees remained unpaid.

Evidence presented to the tribunal also revealed that the authority had engaged the media group in several meetings — on June 14, 2023, December 4, 2023, and February 9, 2024 — in attempts to resolve the matter amicably.

When the situation persisted, the CA informed the company on April 9, 2025, that it would proceed to publish revocation notices in the Kenya Gazette after previous warnings expired on March 24, 2025.

In its appeal, Standard Media Group did not deny owing the money but argued that a payment agreement reached on December 24, 2024, should have prevented the revocation. The agreement reportedly included an initial payment of Ksh10 million, a further Ksh3 million after a rights issue, and subsequent monthly instalments.

The media house also contended that revoking the licences would undermine constitutional protections related to freedom of expression and the public’s right to access information.

However, the tribunal concluded that the regulator had exercised restraint and provided adequate opportunity for compliance over an extended period.

“The Authority granted multiple opportunities for the appellant to meet its obligations, which remain clear and non-negotiable under the law,” the ruling noted while dismissing the appeal.

The decision now leaves the future of the affected stations uncertain, raising concerns about potential disruptions to broadcasting services and the livelihoods of employees.

Industry observers say the case highlights the financial pressures facing traditional media organisations amid declining advertising revenues and the rapid shift toward digital platforms.

If implemented, the licence revocations would mark one of the most significant regulatory actions against a major media house in recent years.

Neither the Communications Authority nor Standard Media Group had indicated whether further legal action would be pursued following the tribunal’s decision.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders across the media sector are closely monitoring developments, given the broader implications for regulation, financial sustainability, and press freedom in Kenya.

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CA to Revoke Licences for Radio Maisha, Spice FM & KTN News Over Ksh 48M Debt