CA gets nod to revoke Standard Group licences over Sh48.9mn arrears

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 27 – The Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal has allowed the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to revoke six broadcasting licences held by Standard Media Group PLC over unpaid fees amounting to Sh48.87 million.

In its ruling, the tribunal dismissed an appeal by the media house, finding that the planned revocation was lawful and in line with the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA).

The case relates to unpaid annual licence fees and Universal Service Fund (USF) levies, which the tribunal said remained outstanding despite multiple notices and extensions issued by the regulator.

The affected licences include Vybez Radio, Berur FM, Radio Maisha, Spice FM, KTN Burudani and KTN News.

“The tribunal upheld that the Authority had given multiple opportunities over a sustained period for the Standard Media Group to regularize its position, and that regulatory obligations under KICA were clear and non-negotiable,” the ruling stated.

Records show the CA issued a notice of contravention in December 2023, followed by revocation notices in September 2024 after the broadcaster failed to clear the dues.

The regulator had also engaged the company in several meetings, but the arrears persisted, with the total amount comprising Sh13.88 million in licence fees and Sh34.99 million in USF levies.

In its defence, Standard Group did not dispute the debt but cited a December 2024 payment plan, arguing that the revocation notices breached the agreement and violated constitutional rights on freedom of expression.

However, the tribunal dismissed the argument, stating that regulatory obligations cannot be overridden by private arrangements and that the company had sufficient notice and opportunity to comply.

It further noted that broadcasting frequencies are scarce public resources subject to strict legal controls, and enforcement of licence conditions is essential for orderly sector regulation.

The tribunal also awarded costs to the Communications Authority, reinforcing the requirement for compliance within Kenya’s broadcasting industry.