Two of Kenya’s leading television stations, KTN and NTV, have officially resumed their free-to-air broadcasts following a High Court order that temporarily suspended a controversial directive from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). The directive, which had ordered a halt to live coverage of the June 25, 2025, demonstrations, led to the shutdown of both stations’ signals on Wednesday evening—sparking nationwide outrage and a flurry of legal action.
Signals Restored Following Court Intervention
KTN confirmed on Thursday morning that both stations were back on air via free-to-air platforms, including Signet and other digital terrestrial services, after their signals had been forcibly deactivated by CA officials at the Limuru transmission site.
The blackout had left millions of Kenyans—especially those without access to cable, satellite, or internet services—without critical broadcast news coverage during a volatile moment in the country’s political landscape. Viewers who rely on free-to-air signals were left in the dark at a time when Gen Z-led demonstrations were unfolding in several parts of Nairobi and other urban centers.
“CA Defied Court Order Before Compliance”
On Wednesday night, Nation Media Group Managing Editor for Broadcast, James Smart, expressed concern that the CA had refused to honor the court’s initial conservatory order, which had been issued earlier that evening. According to Smart, the signals remained off-air even after a judge directed the authority to suspend the censorship.
“As of 8 p.m., the Communications Authority was still in contempt of court by refusing to comply with the order to restore our broadcast signal,” Smart said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
It wasn’t until Thursday morning—more than 12 hours after the court decision—that the free-to-air signals were finally reinstated, following mounting pressure and widespread public criticism of the CA’s actions.
High Court Judge Chacha Mwita Steps In
In a late-night ruling, Justice Chacha Mwita of the High Court issued conservatory orders suspending the CA’s directive, which had barred media houses from providing live coverage of the June 25th protests.
The ruling read in part:
“A conservatory order is hereby issued suspending, with immediate effect, the directive Ref No. CA/CE/BC/TV90A or any other directive issued by the Communication Authority of Kenya to all television and radio stations directing them to stop live coverage of the demonstrations of 25th June 2025 or any other demonstrations, until the hearing and determination of the application and petition.”
The petition, filed by civil rights organizations and media stakeholders, argued that the directive violated Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution, which protect freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
CA Accused of Media Censorship
The CA had earlier defended its move to halt live coverage, citing national security and concerns over incitement. In a memo sent to broadcasters on Wednesday, the authority argued that the coverage was in violation of Article 33(2)—which limits freedom of expression in cases involving hate speech or incitement—and Article 34(1)—which governs media regulation.
The memo read:
“The live coverage of the June 25th, 2025, demonstrations is contrary to Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.”
However, critics argued that the authority’s interpretation of the law was misguided and amounted to blatant censorship. Organizations like the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and Article 19 Eastern Africa condemned the CA’s move, urging media houses to resist the directive and continue informing the public.
In a strongly worded statement, KHRC said:
“This is a dark day for press freedom in Kenya. The CA’s actions represent a direct attack on constitutional rights and a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism. We call on the judiciary and Parliament to urgently intervene.”
Legal and Public Backlash Grows
Shortly after the broadcast blackout, several human rights activists, civil society groups, and legal experts mobilized to file an urgent petition at the High Court. The application sought conservatory orders to suspend the CA directive, arguing that it posed an imminent threat to constitutional liberties.
The petitioners claimed that freedom of the press cannot be curtailed arbitrarily, especially during moments of national significance such as public demonstrations. They emphasized that media coverage plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the dissemination of factual information—particularly in tense political environments.
Timeline of Events
- June 25, 2025 – Afternoon: Live coverage of Gen Z protests aired across multiple TV stations.
- June 25, 2025 – Evening: The CA issues a directive barring all live protest coverage.
- June 25, 2025 – 8 p.m.: CA officials storm the Limuru transmission station and disable KTN and NTV’s free-to-air signals.
- June 25, 2025 – 9:30 p.m.: Civil society files an urgent application at the High Court.
- June 25, 2025 – 11:15 p.m.: Justice Chacha Mwita grants conservatory orders suspending CA’s directive.
- June 26, 2025 – Morning: KTN and NTV confirm that their free-to-air signals have been restored.
Media Council of Kenya Responds
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) also weighed in on the standoff, calling the Communications Authority’s directive a violation of journalistic freedom. In a press release, the MCK called for restraint and respect for court orders, warning that any further interference with media operations would set a dangerous precedent.
“Journalists are not the enemy. They are the facilitators of truth. The MCK will defend the right of every Kenyan to access information without fear or interference,” said MCK CEO David Omwoyo.
What’s Next: Awaiting Court Proceedings
The court has scheduled a hearing date in the coming weeks to determine the legality of the CA’s directive. The outcome of that hearing could set a far-reaching precedent for press freedom and state-media relations in Kenya.
For now, the suspension remains in effect, meaning broadcasters are legally permitted to cover live events, including protests, until the matter is fully adjudicated.
Analysis: A Constitutional Test for Freedom of the Press
The events of the past 48 hours underscore the growing tension between state authority and press freedom in Kenya. As the government grapples with public dissent and increasing civil mobilization—largely driven by a youthful, tech-savvy generation—attempts to control the narrative are being met with equal resistance from civil society and the judiciary.
Legal scholars warn that any erosion of media freedom could set back the democratic gains Kenya has made since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution. At the heart of the debate is a single question: Can the government restrict coverage of protests in the name of security without undermining constitutional rights?
As the country awaits the court’s ruling, all eyes remain on the balance between national interest and fundamental freedoms—a test that will undoubtedly shape Kenya’s democratic trajectory in the years to come.