Uganda’s National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has condemned the Communications Authority of Kenya’s decision to switch off the free-to-air signals of major broadcasters in Kenya.
In a statement released hours after the controversial move by the CA, NAB criticised the decision, stating that it contravened press freedom, democratic values, and the principles of responsible journalism.
“Uganda expresses deep concern over the directive issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) dated June 25, 2025, instructing television and radio broadcasters to cease live coverage of ongoing demonstrations,” part of the statement read.
“As a fraternity of the media industry, professionals and institutions committed to the promotion of press freedom, democratic values, and responsible journalism, we stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Kenya. Media freedom is a bedrock of democracy, and undue interference with it is an attack on people's fundamental human rights.”
NAB, therefore, urged the Authority to uphold the very Articles cited in its memo, Articles 33 and 34, and restore access to the airwaves.
Failure to do so, the association warned, would risk undermining public trust, silencing diverse voices, and eroding democratic norms.
It concluded its statement by calling on all parties to engage in dialogue to protect press freedom, especially during moments of national importance such as the June 25 commemorative protests, further expressing its solidarity with its Kenyan counterparts.
On the afternoon of June 25, the CA ordered all TV and radio broadcasters to cease live coverage of the protests, citing a breach of Articles 33(2) and 34(1).
"The live coverage of the June 25th, 2025, demonstrations is contrary to Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998," part of the statement read.
However, the media houses defied this directive, arguing that the law had been invalidated by a 2023 court ruling which found that the Authority did not have the jurisdiction to order broadcasters to halt their coverage.
Barely an hour after the order, officials from CA, accompanied by police officers, stormed the Limuru transmission station and switched off free-to-air signals of KTN, NTV and Citizen TV stations.
So far, the signals are yet to be switched back on despite conservatory orders issued by High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi dictating the same.
