Standard Media Group, the 124-year-old publishing and broadcasting powerhouse in East Africa, associated with the Moi Family, now faces an uncertain future. This is as the Communication Authority of Kenya(CA) goes ahead and switch off the lights on its six broadcasting platforms over unpaid license fee arrears amounting to KSh 48,874,524.10.
In a ruling by the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal, dismissed an appeal by Standard Group, saying the impending revocation of its broadcasting licenses was lawful, valid and in accordance with the Kenya Information and Communications Act(KICA).
The tribunal cited the Standard Media Group’s failure to pay outstanding annual license fees and the Universal Service Levy over several years, despite subsequent notices of revocation by the CA, as stipulated under the licensing terms and conditions.
The six Standard Group broadcasting platforms that could be switched off include Vybez Radio, Berur FM, Radio Maisha, Spice FM, KTN Burudani and KTN News. The licenses require annual remittance of fees and levies, conditions, which the media giant failed to meet despite several extensions and concessions by the CA.
Standard Group battles with CA over fees and levies
Standard Media Group was issued with a Notice of Contravention of License terms and conditions, which ran for 45 days from December 4th 2023 and lapsed on January 17th 2024.
On September 24th 2024, the CA issued a notices of revocation to all Standard Group stations after the media house failed to clear the outstanding fees and expiry of the Notices of Contravention.
The CA has previously held meetings with Standard Group in meetings held on June 14th 2023, December 4th 2023 and February 9th 2024 on non-payment of regulatory fees owed to the CA.
On April 9th 2025, CA informed Standard Group that its revocation notices had expired on March 24th 2025.
Now, CA is progressing to gazette the revocation of all Standard Group broadcasting licenses. The outstanding amounts currently stands at KSh 48,874,524.10 comprising license fee of KSh 13,880,334.37 and USF Levy of KSh 34,994,189.73.
In its appeal, Standard Media Group did not contest the debt but pointed out the existence of an agreement entered on December 24th 2024, outlining a payment with an initial settlement of KSh 10 million, a further KSh 3 million upon finalizing the Rights Issue and monthly repayments thereafter.
The media group said the CA’s issuance of revocation notices breached this agreement and that the Authority acted in bad faith, violating fundamental constitutional rights related to freedom of expression and public communication.
The tribunal upheld that CA had given multiple opportunities over a sustained period for Standard Media Group to regularize its position and that regulatory obligations under KICA were clear and non-negotiable.
Standard Group now faces the prospect of moving into the junk yard, as traditional media giants face stiff competition from emerging and mushrooming digital platforms as well as private radio and TV stations, all eating into its turf.
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services.
The Standard newspaper, runs KTN, KTN News, Radio Maisha, The Nairobian weekly newspaper, Standard Digital, The Standard Entertainment, KTN Farmers, KTN Burudani, Spice FM and Vybez Radio.
The Board of Directors of the Media House informed its shareholders that, following a resolution passed at a Special Meeting of the Board held on 4 February 2026, the Board resolved to suspend the previously proposed Rights Issue.
The decision was taken after careful consideration of prevailing market conditions and strategic financing options, with a view to safeguarding shareholder value and ensuring that any future capital-raising initiatives are aligned with the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
The Board said the suspension is intended to allow the Company additional time to reassess the structure, timing, and viability of the proposed transaction, taking into account evolving market and operational considerations.
Standard Group Recovery Plans
In its recovery plan and KSh 1.5 billion rights issue, the media house seeks to recapitalise the business. Proceeds will also be used to restructure debt, fund digital expansion, and strengthen working capital.
Management has outlined a turnaround strategy under the 2025–2027 plan, including tighter cost discipline, intensified debt collection, and innovation across broadcast, print, and digital platforms.
A leadership change has seen Chaacha Mwita appointed as Acting CEO in July 2025, replacing Marion Gathoga-Mwangi.
While the Group is yet to announce its 2025 full year financial results, the half year period ending June 30th 2025 saw the business report a net loss of KSh 133 million, from KSh 200 million in the same period of 2024
Revenue dropped 25% to KSh 789 million, reflecting weaker advertising sales and reduced government contracts.
Despite heavy losses and negative equity, the Mombasa road outfit it remains cautiously optimistic that efficiency gains, cost reductions, and digital growth will lay the foundation for a sustainable future.
Standard Media Group was founded in 1902 as the African Standard by Alibhai Mulla Jeevanjee, an immigrant businessman from India. Initially, it was a weekly newspaper and later a daily paper, moving is headquarters from Mombasa to Nairobi in 1910. Over the years, it has expanded and evolved into a giant multimedia outlet, with notable brands like The Standard, KTN and Radio Maisha.
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