Battle for radio airwaves hots up with 28 new applications

“The applicants have applied for the aforementioned licences to enable them to operate and offer the services as specified.PHOTO: COURTESY

Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has received 28 new applications from prospective companies seeking a part of the radio airwaves.

In the latest Kenya gazette dated January 27, some 18 companies are seeking licences to operate commercial broadcasting FM radios.

A further 10, want to run community-based radio stations. According to the notice by CA Director General Francis Wangusi, any member of public with objection to any of the 28 being been given licences has 30 days to write to the authority.

“The applicants have applied for the aforementioned licences to enable them to operate and offer the services as specified. The grant of the licences may affect the public and county authorities, companies, persons or bodies of persons within the country,” said Wangusi.
The latest development is to seize the opportunities that came up with the switch to digital transmission in 2015.

Unlike in 1999 when the country had less than 10 radio stations the number has surpassed 100 now. According to radio and TV ratings report for the fourth quarter in 2016 as released by data firm GeoPoll Media Measurement Service, Standard Group’s Radio Maisha is ranked second in audience numbers (11.3 per cent) after Citizen radio.