Communications Authority Revokes Licenses of 42 TV Stations

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has announced plans to revoke the broadcasting licences of 42 television stations for failing to comply with the Kenya Information and Communications Act (Cap. 411).

In a gazette notice dated September 12, 2025, CA Director-General David Mugonyi stated that the revocations will take effect within seven days, affecting stations found in violation of regulatory requirements.

“Revocation of licences notice is given pursuant to the provisions of the Kenya Information and Communications Act (Cap. 411), that the Communications Authority of Kenya shall revoke the postal licences of the following service providers within seven (7) days from the date of this Gazette Notice,” read the gazette.

List of affected broadcasters

The stations targeted in the directive include: Apple Truth Television Network, Metropol TV, Corporate Media TV, DG TV, Doxa TV, Dunamis KTV, Masai TV, Ezra Christian TV, Fanaka TV, Faith Estate TV, Talent TV, Champion TV, ILM TV, NAI TV, The Mirror Television, Ziwa TV, Kingdom Ambassadors TV, Uboro TV, Kokwo Television, Bulsho TV, Manifestation TV, Mount Kenya TV and Pillar TV.

Others are Tourism and Wildlife TV (Safari Channel), Ongatet Television Network, Mbugi TV, Safina Television, Shakaal Television, Sugan TV, Tama TV, Sawa Television, The Word Music TV, Soko TV, Thjiwe TV, Tem TV, Ukweli TV Kenya, Value TV, Wananchi TV, 009 TV, Ability TV, Ace TV, and Superflex Television.

The notice emphasised that the action aligns with the provisions of the Kenya Information and Communications Act. Once revoked, the affected broadcasters will lose authorisation to operate, and resources held under their licenses will revert to the Authority.

“As indicated above, revocation will take effect seven (7) days from the date of this Gazette Notice and any resources held under these licences shall revert to the Authority upon revocation.”

It also read that upon revocation of the licences, the licensees shall not be authorised to operate and provide the services.

Broader enforcement

The CA’s decision comes against a backdrop of heightened regulatory scrutiny in the media sector. The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) flagged 23 television stations for breaching rules on betting advertisements.

On May 5, 2025, BCLB Director Peter Mbugi noted that despite a 30-day suspension, some broadcasters continued to air betting content with payment prompts.

“Following the Board’s recent press statement announcing a suspension of betting advertisements, it has come to our attention that several media outlets continue to run unauthorised betting promotions,” the BCLB stated at the time.