The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) threatened to revoke the frequencies and shut down operations of 60 radio stations over licence non-compliance.
The stations which include Capital FM and NRG Radio among others are said to have breached the Kenya Information and Communication Act. Because of their failure to comply with the licence offer conditions within the period prescribed by the authority.
So Communications Authority of Kenya Director General Ezra Chiloba announced the revoking licences in a statement. He explained the decision stating that the radio stations have failed to comply with the licence agreement provided by the Communications Authority per the Kenya Information and Communications 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),” he said. Contravention of this requirement attracts a fine not exceeding Ksh.1,000, 000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both.”
As a result, Chiloba has given the stations thirty days to comply. Failure to which the authority shall proceed to revoke the assigned FM frequency and shut down their broadcasting services. “Failure to comply…within 30 days will imply that the affected party is no longer interested in providing broadcasting services. And as such, the Authority shall proceed to revoke the assigned FM frequency and shut down broadcasting services,” he said
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 among others have also been included in a 24-station list for failing to remit regulatory fees to the communications regulator.
