CA Issues Notice to Kenyans Companies Seek TV, Radio Licenses

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued a 30-day public notice inviting Kenyans to raise objections to applications by five television broadcasters and a radio operator seeking licences to operate in the country.

In a gazette notice dated Friday, November 6, CA listed several companies and institutions that had applied for new licences or renewal of existing ones under the Kenya Information and Communications Act.

Among the companies seeking licences are five TV stations, one radio station, several internet service providers, and eight companies seeking to build telecommunications infrastructure.

"Notice is given that the following applicants have, pursuant to the provisions of the Kenya Information and Communications Act CAP 411A, made applications to the Communications Authority of Kenya for grant of the licences as shown," CA stated in the notice.

The five TV stations included mainly free-to-air commercial licences, while one is seeking renewal of its subscription broadcast licence.

The TV stations include Kenyatta University, which was listed as seeking renewal of its licence for Kenyatta University Television, as well as other private stations offering a wide range of services.

The notice also included companies seeking licences to provide internet services, telecommunications infrastructure and courier services.

Following the notice, the Communications Authority stated that the proposed licences, if granted, would allow the applicants to provide the services indicated in their respective applications.

The regulator noted that the applications could affect members of the public, local authorities, companies and other organisations across the country.

"The licences, if granted, will enable the applicants to operate and provide the services as indicated in the Table above. The grant of these licences may affect the public and local authorities, companies, persons or bodies of persons within the country," the notice added.

It therefore invited any interested individual, organisation or group wishing to make representations or raise objections to submit a written letter to the Director General of the Communications Authority, within 30 days of the notice.

Weeks earlier, the authority revoked the licenses of over 22 TV stations, mainly free-to-air, with several of them being faith-based broadcasters.