The Standard Media Group, the parent company for KTN and other stations, is facing an existential threat after the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) issued a stark notice of license revocation.
The CAK, citing alleged non-payment of license fees and contributions to the Universal Service Fund (USF), appears poised to pull the plug on the broadcaster.
According to a letter dated April 9, 2025, from CAK Director General David Mugonyi to the Standard Group, the regulator intends to revoke all of the media house’s broadcasting licenses.
Mugonyi dismissed an existing debt repayment plan amounting to Ksh48 million, asserting that the CAK had issued six-month revocation notices in September 2024, which expired on March 24, 2025, without the full debt being settled or a satisfactory payment plan submitted.
“This letter serves to inform you that the Authority is progressing to publish a notification on the revocation of all the broadcast licences issued to the Standard Group PLC in the Kenya Gazette,” Mugonyi stated.
However, the Standard Group’s Chief Executive Editor, Chaacha Mwita, has strongly refuted the CAK’s claims, suggesting the move is politically motivated.
While acknowledging a debt of Ksh48 million accrued due to challenging economic conditions, Mwita emphasized that this figure had been significantly reduced under a repayment agreement signed in December 2024.
Here are the four key reasons the CAK has cited for its intention to shut down the Standard Media Group:
1. Unpaid License Fees
The CAK alleges that the Standard Media Group has failed to remit the required fees for its broadcasting licenses.
2. Failure to Contribute to the Universal Service Fund (USF)
The regulatory body also claims the media house has not made the necessary contributions to the USF, which aims to expand access to communication services across the country.
3. Rejection of Debt Repayment Plan
Despite the Standard Group having an active repayment agreement for the outstanding Ksh48 million, the CAK has dismissed this plan as insufficient and not meeting their deadlines.
4. Expired Revocation Notice
CAK Director General Mugonyi pointed to the expiration of a six-month notice issued in September 2024, indicating that the Standard Group did not resolve the outstanding issues within the stipulated timeframe.
The Standard Group maintains it has been adhering to a revised repayment plan and views the CAK’s actions as a deliberate attempt to silence critical media.
The unfolding situation raises significant concerns about media freedom and the role of regulatory bodies in Kenya.
