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KTN has gone off-air following a directive from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) halting all live broadcasts of the ongoing Gen Z-led demonstrations.
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Standard Group, which owns KTN, confirmed the signal disruption on Wednesday, calling the directive unconstitutional and a violation of press freedom.
The media house noted that while its traditional broadcast has been interrupted, its live coverage remains available on digital platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
“We are aware that CA has also directed signal distributors to shut down and deplatform any broadcaster airing the protests live,” Standard Group said in a statement.
The company argued that the move contravenes Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution, which protect freedom of expression and the independence of the media, and accused CA of exceeding its legal authority.
“The Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA) of 1998 does not grant CA the power to carry out such actions,” the statement read.
Standard Group warned that any signal distributor who disconnects its broadcast without lawful grounds would face legal consequences, including demands for compensation over breach of contractual agreements.
The company urged the Authority to rescind the directive and adhere to constitutional provisions, reaffirming its commitment to keeping the public informed.
CA had issued a directive requiring all TV and radio stations to halt live coverage of the June 25, 2025 protests, arguing that such broadcasts violated Articles 33(2), 34(1) of the Constitution and Section 461 of the KICA Act.
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In a separate joint statement, civil society organisations—including the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) and Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG)—strongly criticised the order, saying it stifles transparency and public accountability.
CA Director General David Mugonyi warned that non-compliance would lead to regulatory penalties, citing the legal provisions as justification for the ban.
