The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) revoked the licenses of 426 service providers/operators in the Kenyan media and telecommunications industry.
In a gazette notice dated October 11, the Authority published the names of 426 companies with their category whose licenses were revoked.
Among the service providers are 13 commercial radio stations, 2 community radios, 9 free-to-air television channels, 1 self-provisioning TV Sation and 1 media outlet under the bulk SMS category.
Some of the popular brands revoked include Switch TV, Kwese TV, Kiss TV (owned by Innova Media Limited), Utugi TV, Njata FM, and Njata TV.
Additionally, 18 network facility providers (NFP), 113 application service providers (ASP) and 269 content service providers (CSP) were also revoked.
“Notice is given pursuant to the provisions of the Kenya Information and Communications Act that the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) shall revoke the licences of service providers/operators,” read the report in part.
The 7-day notice dated October 11 expired and the listed service providers' and operators’ licenses were revoked.
According to David Mugonyi who is the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), once revoked, the companies will cease to hold any rights to engage in any business.
“Any resources held under any of these licenses shall revert to the Authority upon revocation,” added the notice.
“Upon revocation of the licenses listed the service providers/operators shall not be authorized to operate and provide the services as indicated in the categories,” CA added.
In April this year, CA shut down over 58 television stations and 6 courier companies for failing to meet required standards.
The authority has the power to shut down media-related companies mainly because of regulatory violations and breaches of broadcasting standards.
