The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) revokes licenses of 42 TV stations, marking yet another crackdown on non-compliant broadcasters. In a stark gazette notice dated September 12, 2025, CA Director General David Mugonyi declared that these revocations will take effect within seven days, citing violations of the Kenya Information and Communications Act (Cap. 411).
This move affects a diverse array of stations, from urban-focused channels to those serving rural and regional audiences. Among the 42 listed are prominent names like Metropol TV, Mount Kenya TV, Kingdom Ambassadors TV, and Tourism and Wildlife TV (Safari Channel). Others include Ongatet Television Network, Mbugi TV, Safina Television, Shakaal Television, Sugan TV, and Tama TV.
The notice explicitly states that upon revocation, affected stations must cease all operations. “Upon revocation of the licences, the licensees shall not be authorised to operate and provide the services,” Mugonyi wrote. Furthermore, any resources tied to these licenses—such as spectrum allocations or equipment—will revert directly to the CA.
Industry insiders view this as a continuation of CA’s aggressive regulatory stance. Just five months earlier, in April 2025, the authority shut down over 58 TV stations for similar breaches, including failure to pay fees and meet quality standards. That wave, part of a broader 2024-2025 purge, saw 75 broadcasting licenses revoked overall, encompassing TV, radio, and signal distributors.
Mugonyi emphasized that the action stems from persistent non-compliance. Stations on the list reportedly ignored repeated warnings about licensing conditions, such as timely fee remittances and adherence to content guidelines. “This is to ensure a clean, competitive broadcasting environment,” a CA spokesperson told reporters on September 14, 2025.
The revocations could ripple through Kenya’s media landscape. Many of these stations, often community or niche broadcasters, employ dozens of journalists, technicians, and support staff. For instance, Mount Kenya TV, which caters to the Central Kenya region, has been a vital platform for local news and culture. Its sudden closure might leave viewers without key information sources, especially in underserved areas.
Owners of affected stations expressed shock and frustration. “We’ve been operating in good faith, but regulatory hurdles have been overwhelming,” said a representative from one of the listed channels, speaking anonymously. Some are already consulting lawyers, hinting at potential appeals to the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal.
Social media erupted with reactions following the notice’s publication. On X (formerly Twitter), users debated the implications, with hashtags like #CATVRevocations trending. “This is government overreach stifling free media,” one user posted, while others supported the move, arguing it weeds out “ghost stations” that barely broadcast.
Critics, including media rights groups, warn of broader threats to press freedom. The Media Council of Kenya issued a statement on September 15, 2025, urging CA to provide clearer compliance pathways. “While regulation is necessary, such mass revocations risk consolidating media ownership in the hands of big players,” the council noted.
Economically, the broadcasting sector contributes significantly to Kenya’s GDP, with TV advertising alone generating billions annually. The CA revokes licenses of 42 TV stations decision could disrupt ad revenues and force a reshuffle in viewer habits toward digital streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix.
Looking ahead, CA has signaled more audits. In recent months, it has also targeted gambling content on airwaves, giving broadcasters 14 days in April 2025 to reduce it or face penalties. This latest action underscores a push for innovation amid compliance.
As the seven-day clock ticks down, affected stations scramble to wind down operations. Whether this leads to legal battles or industry reforms remains unclear, but one thing is certain: Kenya’s media scene is undergoing a seismic shift, one license at a time.
