The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has published a Gazette notice inviting public objections or representations to licence applications from 33 companies and institutions. The notice, dated 6 November 2026, covers 28 new applications and five renewals under the Kenya Information and Communications Act, and gives interested parties 30 days to submit written comments.
According to reports by Kenyans.co.ke and The Kenya Times, the broadcasting applications include four commercial free-to-air television licences, one commercial free-to-air radio licence and one subscription broadcasting service renewal, alongside internet service providers, Network Facilities Providers, Micro Network Service Providers and courier operators.
Broadcasting Applications
Among the broadcasting applicants is Kenyatta University, which has applied for renewal of its Commercial Free-to-Air Television licence for Kenyatta University Television (KUTV). Other renewal applications include Wananchi Group (Kenya) Limited for Zuku TV’s Subscription Broadcasting Service licence, TBN Family Media Limited for Family Television, and Mashariki Television Networks Limited for Kambanja TV.
New commercial free-to-air television applications include Murray Media Limited for Richie Television. Japari Communications Limited has applied for a Commercial Free-to-Air Radio licence for Radio Japari FM. The full list of applicants and licence categories appears in the Gazette notice.
Public Participation Window
Any person, organisation or group wishing to object or make a representation must submit a written letter to the Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya at CA Centre, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi, within 30 days of the notice’s publication. The submission should indicate the relevant licence category on the cover, and a copy must be sent to the applicant.
This process follows an earlier regulatory action by the CA under Director General David Mugonyi. In October 2026, the authority issued a seven-day notice for the revocation of broadcasting licences held by 22 free-to-air television stations, including several faith-based broadcasters. The October notice did not specify the individual reasons for the proposed revocations. The current public participation process gives interested parties an opportunity to raise concerns about new and renewed applications before the CA makes final decisions.
Implications for the Sector
The licensing round covers both spectrum-based broadcasting and supporting telecommunications infrastructure. For existing broadcasters seeking renewal, the process provides an opportunity to demonstrate ongoing compliance. For new applicants, successful licences would expand the number of free-to-air channels and local radio services, subject to frequency availability and technical conditions.
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Members of the public, county governments and existing licence holders can use the 30-day window to flag issues related to market concentration, technical feasibility or local content obligations. The CA has stated that it will consider all representations before granting or renewing the licences.
Details of individual applicants and the exact Gazette reference are available in the published notice and in coverage by Kenyan media outlets that have listed the companies involved.