The government has shown an open attempt to block the Standard Group by revoking all broadcasting licences that were legally issued to the company.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), through Director General David Mugonyi, in a letter dated 9th April, announced the revocation of the licences, citing non-remittance of licence fees and the Universal Service Fund (USF) levy.
The Authority further dismissed an existing debt repayment plan of Sh48 million as regulatory fees. This assertion has strongly been refuted by the company’s Chief Executive Editor, Chaacha Mwita.
The company, which was established in 1902, has been widely recognised for its bold and fearless journalism, committed to impactful reporting even in the face of adversity.
However, due to unfavourable economic conditions, the company accrued a debt of Sh48 million to the CA in licence fees.The group’s editor, Chaacha Mwita noted that this figure had been significantly reduced since a payment plan was agreed and signed in December 2024.
The Standard newspaper has recently been publishing headlines which have seemingly been aimed at exposing the negative side of the government.
