Capital FM Among over 60 Radio Stations Facing Closure

Over 60 radio stations in Kenya risk having their frequencies revoked over license non-compliance. 

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has given the stations 30 days to comply with the licensing regulations, failure to which their FM frequencies will be revoked and the associated broadcasting services shut down.

The authority says the stations were found to have violated sections of the Kenya Information and Communication Act.

“In accordance with section 46C of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, it is illegal to provide any form of broadcasting service in Kenya without a license issued by the communications authority of Kenya (CA). Contravention of this requirement attracts a fine not exceeding Sh1,000, 000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both,” CA Director General Ezra Chiloba said in a notice on Wednesday.

He added: “Take further notice that failure to comply with licensing requirements as notified in writing to each broadcaster and applicant listed in this notice within 30 days will imply that the affected party is no longer interested in providing the said broadcasting services.”

They include Capital FM, NRG Radio, Mbaitu FM, Koch FM, Serian, Rware, Western, Misoft, Ujuzi, Atlantic Edge, Cornerstone, Rongo, Redeemed, Ron, Qooly, Mwarima FM, Media 1, Mawen, Kipkaa, Jokanyo, Neemali, Hometrack, Chuka University, Ataaba, and Haki FM.

Others are Radio Mikayi, Thayu FM, Getu Fm, Mitume, Kimuri, Radio Tumaini, Osotua, Radio Rise, Bayana FM, Wega FM, Peace FM, Thome, Radio Waumini and Sogot FM.