The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has moved to revoke six broadcasting licences held by Standard Group PLC over unpaid regulatory fees amounting to Ksh 48.87 million, escalating a dispute that now pits the regulator against one of the country’s leading media houses.
The move follows a ruling delivered on March 27, 2026, by the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal, which dismissed the media house’s appeal and cleared the way for the Authority to proceed with the revocation process.
The licences in question are tied to several stations operated by the group, including KTN News, KTN Burudani, Radio Maisha, Spice FM, Vybez Radio and Berur FM.
According to the regulator, the action stems from accumulated arrears comprising licence fees and the Universal Service Fund levy. The Authority maintains that the broadcaster failed to settle the dues despite receiving multiple notices, extensions and opportunities to regularise its obligations over several years.
In its position, the Authority insists the intended revocation is lawful and grounded in the Kenya Information and Communications Act, noting that compliance with statutory requirements is mandatory for all licensees.
However, Standard Group has strongly contested the move, describing it as premature and legally challengeable. The media house has framed the dispute as part of a broader financial standoff with the State.
In a statement, the broadcaster acknowledged the outstanding fees but attributed the delay in payment to financial constraints caused by unpaid debts owed by government entities. It claims that ministries, state agencies and county governments collectively owe the company more than Ksh 1.2 billion for advertising and media services rendered over the years.
The company argued that it would have settled its regulatory obligations if the government honoured its financial commitments, terming the situation contradictory and unfair. It further disputed claims that it had entered into a binding payment plan with the regulator, stating that discussions held were exploratory and did not result in a formal agreement.
Standard Group has since indicated that it will challenge the tribunal’s decision at the High Court, signalling a legal battle that could have broader implications for the media industry.
On its part, the regulator maintains that the broadcaster had sufficient time to comply, citing notices of contravention issued as early as December 2023 and subsequent warnings in 2024 and 2025.
The tribunal, in siding with the Authority, emphasised that statutory obligations must be met, adding that financial disputes or claims against the government do not override compliance requirements.
The unfolding standoff now raises concerns about the financial pressures facing media houses and the potential impact of regulatory action on broadcasting operations in Kenya.
 has moved to revoke six broadcasting licences held by Standard Group PLC over unpaid regulatory fees amounting to Ksh 48.87 million, escalating a dispute that now pits the regulator against one of the country’s leading media houses.){kind=link}