Communications Authority Opens Door For Kenyans To Challenge Fresh Television And Radio Licence Bids

Communications Authority Opens Door For Kenyans To Challenge Fresh Television And Radio Licence Bids

Kenyans now have a chance to speak out on who gets to run television and radio stations in the country. The Communications Authority has issued a 30-day public notice inviting objections to several licence applications.

The gazette notice is dated Friday November 6. It lists companies and institutions that want new licences or renewals under the Kenya Information and Communications Act. The applicants include five television broadcasters and one radio operator.

Most of the television stations are seeking free-to-air commercial licences. One station wants to renew its subscription broadcast licence. Kenyatta University is on the list and is asking for a renewal for Kenyatta University Television.

The notice goes beyond broadcasting. Several internet service providers have also applied. Eight companies want to build telecommunications infrastructure and some firms are seeking courier service licences.

The regulator explained that the licences would let the applicants offer the services stated in their applications. It also warned that the grant of these licences may affect the public and local authorities as well as companies and other organisations across the country.

Any person or group that wants to raise an objection or make representations must write to the Director General of the Communications Authority. The letter must reach the office within 30 days of the notice.

The call comes only weeks after the authority revoked the licences of more than 22 television stations. Most of them were free-to-air broadcasters and several were faith-based stations. That move affected many viewers across the country.

The latest notice gives the public a rare opportunity to influence the media landscape. Citizens who care about the content on their screens should study the list and decide whether to speak up before the deadline passes.

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