High Court Blocks Attempt to Revoke Standard Group Licences

In a major relief to one of Kenya’s leading media houses, the High Court on Wednesday, April 16, halted the revocation of Standard Group’s broadcasting licences by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

This comes after Standard Group PLC raised alarm over what it termed as an attempt to silence the press.

The broadcaster said the government was targeting it for highlighting uncomfortable truths. The court’s move now gives the media company time to defend itself ahead of a May 2 hearing.

Standard Group Licences Saved—for Now—as Court Steps In

The High Court’s decision followed a petition filed by Standard Group PLC, the parent company of KTN. The company accused the Communications Authority (CA) of threatening to withdraw its broadcasting licences unfairly.

According to Standard Group, CA cited a debt of Ksh43 million as the reason for the planned revocation.

In response, Standard Group clarified that it had an ongoing agreement with the government to repay the debt in monthly installments.

Initially, the plan was to pay Ksh2.5 million each month. Later, the media house voluntarily raised the repayment to Ksh4 million per month—a move it claims to have honoured consistently. Despite this, the company received a letter dated April 9, signed by CA Director General David Mugonyi.

The letter warned of an impending revocation of Standard Group licences, sparking concerns of media censorship.

The company responded by moving to court and requesting an injunction to stop CA from publishing the revocation notice.

The court granted the temporary orders, stopping the revocation process until May 2, when the case will be heard. This legal intervention has given the broadcaster a lifeline to continue operating its television and radio stations.

Accusations of Intimidation and Unpaid Government Debt

Standard Group has argued that the move to revoke its broadcasting rights is not just about unpaid fees. The company believes it’s being punished for its critical coverage of President William Ruto’s administration.

Chief Executive Editor Chacha Mwita did not hold back. He accused the government of using financial pressure as a way to silence independent journalism. Mwita claimed that the state itself owes Standard Group over Ksh1.2 billion for past advertisements—a debt that has gone unpaid for years.

He questioned why the government is quick to act on what the company allegedly owes, while ignoring its own obligations.

“What I always say is that what we publish and carry is the reality of the day,” Mwita remarked. “So if the reality changes, then the headlines will change. We are not going to report things that are not the reality just to make some people happy.”

The editor’s remarks suggest that the media house will not compromise its editorial independence, even in the face of threats. The ongoing standoff raises serious questions about media freedom in Kenya.

It also highlights the financial challenges media houses face when relying on state advertising revenue, especially when the government delays payment.

With the High Court stepping in, Standard Group licences remain active—at least for now. The final decision will depend on the outcome of the May 2 hearing.

Until then, the case serves as a crucial test for press freedom, rule of law, and the government’s relationship with the media.