Switch TV, Kiss TV Amongst 75 Other Channels Shut Down as CA Revokes 75 Broadcasting Licences

In December 2024, the government revoked 75 broadcasting licences held by various media houses in Kenya. The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) stated that some broadcasters, including Switch TV, had voluntarily requested licence revocation. However, 66 licences were cancelled due to non-compliance with broadcasting policies and regulations.

This move underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring compliance within the media industry.

The Communications Authority (CA) revoked 75 broadcasting licences in 2024 due to non-compliance with licence conditions. Which broadcasters requested revocation? In a press statement released on Friday, January 10, CA confirmed that some broadcasters, including Switch TV, had requested the cancellation of their licences.

“The revocation notices which appeared in the Kenya Gazette from April to November 2024 saw TV broadcasters, FM radio stations, a broadcast signal distributor, and Subscription Management Service lose their licenses,” said CA Director General David Mugonyi. 

CA Revoked 75 Broadcasting Licenses in 2024 for Non-Compliancehttps://t.co/5LtKdFOCC6@Mugonyid @marywambui_m @ntvkenya @KTNNewsKE @KBCChannel1 @PeopleDailyKe @TheStarKenya @K24Tv @tv47news @NationAfrica @StandardKenya @citizentvkenya @Radio47KE @RadioCitizenFM @SpiceFMKE pic.twitter.com/mxDWumVvZa

— Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) (@CA_Kenya) January 10, 2025

Out of the 75 revoked licences, nine broadcasters voluntarily requested termination of their services. These included Econet Media (K) Ltd (a Subscription Management Service), Kiss TV, Kwese TV (holding a Landing Rights Licence), Bamba TV (a self-provisioning Broadcast Signal Distributor), Switch TV, Mwinjoyo FM, KUSCCO FM, Tusmo FM, and Radio Ashe.

Which broadcasters were non-compliant?

The remaining 66 licences were revoked due to non-compliance with broadcasting policies and regulations. These included:

• TV Stations: Mwariama TV, Miracles TV, Magodo TV, Mugumo TV, Murata TV, Pwani TV, Rescue TV, Sauti TV, RTN TV, Lamu Youth TV, Madgot TV, Misoft TV, Mitume TV, Mugwe TV, Elgon TV, Mwanyagetinge TV, NEP TV, Mt. Kenya TV, CAN TV, Border TV, Fire TV, Biashara TV, Arimus TV, Health TV, Getu TV, Daesak TV, Ingo TV, Kilunda Television Network, Laikipia TV, Mwananchi TV, Mwamogusii TV, Biz TV, MMS TV, and Kwese Free Sport.
• Additional TV Stations: Kilimo TV, Kathus TV, Jubilee TV, Islamia TV, Christian Faith TV, Homeland Television Network, High Life TV, Health TV, Havilah Television Network, Harvest Family TV, Global Vision TV, Go Preach Gospel TV, FON TV, Ifortunes TV, Focus TV, End Time TV, Elimu TV, Dominion Broadcasting Network TV, Design TV, Brandplus TV, Clergy TV, Daystar TV Kenya, Njata TV, Utugi TV, TV Cosmopolitan, and TMN TV.
• Radio Stations: Radio Luhya FM, Nacex FM, Somal FM, Kihooto FM, Njata FM, and Sky 106.1 FM.

The complete list of the 75 broadcasters is available on the Communications Authority (CA) website.

Govt to Regulate Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

In a related development, the CA revealed that many unapproved ISPs had established networks using wireless technologies on licence-free frequency bands. Under new regulations, NFP-T3 licensees will be allowed to expand their coverage from one county to three counties. However, ISPs operating beyond the three-county limit without upgrading to an NFP-T2 licence will face a penalty of 0.2% of their annual gross turnover.