Standard Group condemns KTN broadcast shutdown

Standard Media Group Headquarters along Mombasa Road. [File]

The Standard Group PLC has strongly condemned what it terms an unconstitutional and arbitrary shutdown of its television station, KTN, following directives issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

In a statement released Wednesday, the Group said the action executed by signal distributors without prior notice or legal justification came shortly after a widely circulated social media directive instructing broadcasters to cease live coverage of Gen Z-led demonstrations marking the anniversary of last year's anti-tax protests.

"The move amounts to a blatant violation of Article 34 of the Constitution, which guarantees media freedom and explicitly bars state interference in broadcasting," the statement read in part.

The Standard Group further noted that a recent High Court ruling affirmed that oversight of broadcast content lies solely with the Media Council of Kenya, not the CA.

The company accused the authority of overreach, arguing that due process exists for addressing media conduct concerns and that the CA had deliberately sidestepped these mechanisms.

At the time of the shutdown, KTN was providing live coverage of protests-an event the Group described as "a matter of critical public interest and a constitutionally protected expression of civil rights."

"This interference undermines editorial independence and deprives the public of access to essential information during a pivotal national moment," the Group added.

The Standard Group also stated that it has credible intelligence about a possible raid on its Mombasa Road offices, allegedly for defying the CA's order.

The company said it was taking the threat seriously, recalling a similar State-sponsored incident in 2006 involving masked agents.

While vowing to pursue all available legal and regulatory avenues to restore KTN's broadcast signal, the Group urged the government to uphold the rule of law and called on the CA to immediately withdraw its "patently illegal" directive.

"KTN remains committed to fearless, independent, and accountable journalism," the statement concluded, urging audiences to continue following the station via its YouTube and social media platforms.