A non-governmental organisation has moved to court to challenge a decision announced by Communications Authority of Kenya boss Ezra Chiloba that seeks to shut down more than 80 radio and television stations for failure to comply with their license offer conditions.
The African Centre for corrective and preventive action says shutdown is likely to affect Kenyans' right to receive critical information that affects them and shapes their social, political and economic lives.
The organisation wants the court to intervene and issue an order restraining the CA or his agents from effecting the shut down of broadcasting services of the radio and television station par the notice issued on December 22 this year.
“The intended shut down of radio and television broadcasts is illegal since it is an infringement of the members of the public's right to receive information,” the NGO says.
Through lawyer Karugu Mbugua, the NGO argues there is real danger that listeners and viewers are likely to be denied access to critical information they receive through the targeted mediums.
Chiloba on Wednesday said the agency has already begun revocation processes in accordance with the Kenya Information and Communication Act.
He said “in accordance with section 46C of the said Act, it is illegal to provide any form of broadcasting service in Kenya without a license issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya.”
The radio firms in the notice were given 30 days to comply with CA rules before it proceeds to shut down their respective FM frequencies.
-Edited by SKanyara
