In a move that has sparked outrage from journalists, legal experts, and civil society groups, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has shut down the free-to-air signals of two major television broadcasters—NTV and KTN—following their continued live coverage of ongoing anti-government protests.
The affected stations confirmed the disruptions in separate statements issued on Wednesday, June 25, amid ongoing nationwide demonstrations against the controversial Finance Bill 2025 and in memory of those killed during last year’s Gen Z-led protests.
The shutdown has raised serious concerns over press freedom, government censorship, and state control of information at a time of heightened national tension.
Live Coverage Silenced: How the Blackout Unfolded
NTV revealed that their Limuru transmission station was forcibly interfered with, effectively halting their terrestrial (free-to-air) broadcasts. However, the station assured its audience that it remained live on digital platforms including YouTube and X (formerly Twitter).
Similarly, KTN confirmed its free-to-air signal had been disabled, though it continued to stream content online via its KTN News YouTube channel, Facebook page, and other social platforms.
The Royal Media Services-owned Citizen TV had not yet been taken off air by the time of this report, but it acknowledged that Communications Authority officials had already arrived at its Limuru transmission station. In a video shared online, Citizen TV confirmed the presence of the CA team, indicating that its broadcast signal could be next to go dark.
“This action means that only Kenyans with subscriptions to satellite TV services can access the affected channels,” Citizen TV said in a statement. “Free-to-air signals like Signet and Pang are currently unavailable for NTV and KTN.”
The CA’s Constitutional Justification
Just moments before disabling the signals, the Communications Authority released a statement citing Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya.
According to the CA, while freedom of expression and media independence are protected by law, they do not extend to coverage that incites violence, promotes ethnic hatred, or constitutes propaganda that could escalate tensions.
“Media must ensure they do not broadcast material that amounts to incitement to violence or ethnic vilification,” said CA Director-General David Mugonyi. “Live coverage of protests may provoke unrest and violate constitutional limitations.”
Broadcasters Push Back
In response, Standard Group, the parent company of KTN, issued a strong rebuttal defending its editorial independence and the public’s right to information. The group stated that it would seek legal advice to determine the constitutionality of the Communications Authority’s directive.
“We have a duty to inform the public and uphold the core tenets of journalism, which include truth, fairness, and objectivity,” the statement read. “We will consult our legal team on the legality of this order.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by NTV, which reaffirmed its commitment to covering events of national importance, especially during a time of protest and public mobilization.
Historical Echoes: Media Blackouts During 2024 Protests
This is not the first time broadcasters have faced threats or disruptions for covering protests. During the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations of 2024, which left at least 60 people dead, media stations reported intimidation from government agencies and interference with their signals.
Then, as now, journalists were accused of inciting unrest by providing real-time coverage of nationwide protests, most of which were driven by Kenya’s digitally-savvy youth.
The ongoing protests on June 25, 2025, mark the one-year anniversary of those deadly events, and coverage of the memorial demonstrations was expected to be extensive.
Protest Deaths Reported Again
Tragically, the events of this year are already mirroring last year’s violence. Earlier in the day, one person was confirmed dead in Matuu, Machakos County, after police opened fire on a group of protesters. Eight others were injured and taken to local health facilities, including Matuu Level 4 Hospital.
According to the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), police deliberately targeted peaceful demonstrators. The organization condemned the escalation of force and demanded accountability from the authorities.
“Just like last year, the government is responding to peaceful protests with brutality, while simultaneously shutting down the media that would expose it,” KHRC said in a statement.
Online Media and Citizen Journalism Step In
With mainstream channels like NTV and KTN taken off air, digital platforms and citizen journalism have filled the information gap. Social media platforms such as X, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube have seen a surge in live videos, protest footage, and real-time updates from across the country.
Several hashtags—including #MediaShutdownKE, #FinanceBillProtests, #KenyaProtests, and #FreeThePressKE—began trending within minutes of the broadcast disruptions.
“You can switch off the signal, but you can’t switch off the truth,” wrote one user on X. “We are the media now.”
Legal Experts and Civil Society React
Legal analysts have described the Communications Authority’s move as a dangerous precedent and a violation of both domestic and international press freedom standards.
“The constitution guarantees freedom of the press. Any attempt to curtail that right, especially during national protests, must be met with legal resistance,” said constitutional lawyer Charles Kanjama.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) have both called emergency meetings to discuss the unfolding crisis and are expected to release joint statements denouncing the CA’s actions.
National and International Implications
The media blackout has not only angered local journalists and the public but also drawn the attention of international watchdogs. Organizations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have previously criticized Kenya’s shrinking press space, and a repeat of media interference could hurt the country’s democratic standing on the global stage.
With Kenya being a regional hub for technology and communication, the crackdown also threatens investor confidence in media freedom and digital rights.
What Lies Ahead?
As of Wednesday evening, the situation remains tense. Demonstrations continue across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru. Citizen TV may be taken off air at any moment, and additional broadcasters could face similar treatment if they persist in airing live protest content.
Public backlash is growing, and there are increasing calls for the Communications Authority to rescind its directive and restore media transmissions immediately.
In the meantime, digital platforms, alternative media outlets, and social media influencers have become the primary sources of information for millions of Kenyans seeking transparency and truth.