NTV Alleges Signal Switch-Off as Standard Group Rejects CA Media Blackout Order

Tensions between the media and government escalated on June 25 after Nation Media Group’s NTV claimed its broadcast signal had been switched off by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

The development came shortly after the CA issued a directive ordering all television and radio stations to stop live coverage of the ongoing Gen Z-led protests marking the anniversary of the June 25, 2024 demonstrations.

In a quick rebuttal, Standard Media Group released a strongly worded statement asserting that it had not received the letter from CA but was aware of the directive.

“The Standard Group has seen a letter circulating from the Communication Authority of Kenya ordering all television and radio stations to immediately stop all live broadcasting of demonstrations,” the statement read.

Standard Group added that KTN and its affiliated radio stations — Radio Maisha, Spice FM, and Berur FM — had not received any official communication but confirmed that editors from other media houses had acknowledged the letter’s authenticity.

“Further information from elsewhere indicates that the Communication Authority has ordered signal carriers to deplatform any media house doing live broadcast of the demos,” the statement continued.

Standard Group said it was seeking legal counsel to determine the constitutionality of the CA’s directive, terming it an attempt to “plunge the country into a news blackout.”

“We are consulting our lawyers to establish the legality of this order, which aims to plunge the country into a news blackout. Meanwhile, we will continue broadcasting in the public interest until the legal position is confirmed.”

The media house also reminded the public that this is not the first time CA has made such threats.

“Similar threats were issued at the same time last year, at the height of the anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations that saw protesters breach Parliament,” the statement added.

The CA Directive

The Communications Authority of Kenya, in a letter dated June 25, said the live coverage of the 2025 protests violates specific constitutional provisions and media regulations.

“The live coverage of the June 25, 2025 demonstrations is contrary to Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act,” said CA Director General David Mugonyi in the directive.

The authority warned that any station defying the order would face regulatory consequences.

“All television and radio stations are directed to stop any live coverage of the demonstrations forthwith. Failure to abide by this directive will result in regulatory action as stipulated,” the statement added.

The protests — fueled by growing demands for police accountability, justice for victims of last year’s demonstrations, and governance reforms — have drawn thousands of mostly young people to the streets in Nairobi and other towns.

This is the first time CA has explicitly ordered a nationwide media blackout on protest coverage. During last year’s protests, media houses aired the demonstrations live, providing extensive coverage without reported government interference.