Dozens of Kenyan television channels could soon go off air following a decision by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to revoke 42 broadcasting licences.
The move, announced in a gazette dated September 12, 2025, gives the affected stations just seven days before their authorisations are withdrawn.
The CA explained the legal basis of the action, stressing that the decision falls under the Kenya Information and Communications Act (Cap. 411).
The gazette, signed by Director General David Mugonyi, carried the official notice.
“Revocation of licences notice is given pursuant to the provisions of the Kenya Information and Communications Act (Cap. 411), that the Communications Authority of Kenya shall revoke the postal licences of the following service providers within seven (7) days from the date of this Gazette Notice,” read the gazette dated September 12, 2025.
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A wide mix of broadcasters feature on the list. Faith-based channels such as Ezra Christian TV, Kingdom Ambassadors TV and Doxa TV are included, as well as community and entertainment outlets like Metropol TV, Fanaka TV, Mbugi TV, Mount Kenya TV and The Mirror Television. The notice also named Apple Truth Television Network, Corporate Media TV, DG TV, Dunamis KTV, Masai TV, Faith Estate TV, Talent TV, Champion TV, ILM TV, NAI TV, Ziwa TV, Uboro TV, Kokwo Television, Bulsho TV, Manifestation TV and Pillar TV.
Other stations marked for closure are Tourism and Wildlife TV (Safari Channel), Ongatet Television Network, Safina Television, Shakaal Television, Sugan TV, Tama TV, Sawa Television, The Word Music TV, Soko TV, Thjiwe TV, Tem TV, Ukweli TV Kenya, Value TV, Wananchi TV, 009 TV, Ability TV, Ace TV and Superflex Television.
According to the Authority, all rights tied to the licences will be withdrawn once the deadline passes, and any frequencies or resources will automatically revert to the regulator.
“As indicated above, revocation will take effect seven (7) days from the date of this Gazette Notice and any resources held under these licences shall revert to the Authority upon revocation,” the notice said.
The Authority added that the broadcasters would no longer have legal grounds to continue operations.
“Upon revocation of the licences, the licensees shall not be authorised to operate and provide the services.”
This latest clampdown follows earlier friction between regulators and media outlets.
On May 5, 2025, the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) accused 23 stations of ignoring rules on gambling adverts.
Explaining its concerns, the Board stated: “Following the Board’s recent press statement announcing a suspension of betting advertisements, it has come to our attention that several media outlets continue to run unauthorised betting promotions,” the BCLB said at the time.
The CA itself had already acted earlier in the year, shutting down more than 58 television stations in April.
The looming revocation of 42 more licences now signals that regulatory scrutiny of broadcasters is intensifying, leaving parts of the sector facing fresh uncertainty.
