The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has ordered the closure of over 58 television stations. The move is part of the regulator’s efforts to crack down on broadcasting services in the East African country.
Among the affected companies are 58 category A commercial television channels, with another nine media houses filing for a sell-off of their local operating licenses. The affected stations include Pwani TV, Mt. Kenya TV, Christian Faith TV, Kwese Free Sport, Harvest Family TV, Daystar TV, and Mitume TV. Other unaffected channels may opt to shut down before getting caught in the regulator’s sweep.
In addition, the CA has revoked the certificates of postal courier operators in the country, including Buscar East Africa Limited, Wilift Transport Limited, Superwave Security E.A, Baluzis Delivery Limited, Modest Collections, and Shopn Shopn Online store. The regulator has warned that it will revoke the licenses of these service providers/operators within seven days from April 12th, 2024, and any resources held under these licenses shall revert to the authority upon revocation.
The crackdown on broadcasting services in Kenya began in December 2017 when the government de-platformed three of the country’s largest television stations, including KTN, Citizen Television, and NTV, citing election-related reasons. However, the continued censorship has more to do with the government’s cold war with digital advertising than political interests. The local media landscape has become increasingly competitive in recent years, leading to regulatory violations and breaches of broadcasting standards.
In a guideline released on March 9th, the communications authority prohibited using advertisements with “news flash” tags, breaking news, and violence-depicting animations to protect viewers, Especially minors. The move aims to ensure that broadcasters adhere to the highest broadcasting standards and that viewers enjoy content suitable for all ages.
