Nation Media Group (NMG) has strongly condemned the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) for what it terms an unconstitutional switch-off of its flagship television station, NTV.
In a statement issued Wednesday, NMG described the move as “a direct interference with editorial operations and a suppression of the media’s constitutionally protected role to inform the public.” The signal shutdown followed an advisory from CA circulated on social media instructing all broadcasters to cease live coverage of ongoing anti-government protests across the country.
NMG maintains that the action violates Article 34(2) of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees the freedom and independence of the media and explicitly prohibits the State from interfering with any person engaged in broadcasting or penalising them for their opinions or content.
“The shutdown of NTV is therefore a direct interference with our editorial operations and a suppression of the media’s constitutionally protected role to inform the public,” the statement read.
The media house also referenced a recent High Court ruling which clarified that CA does not have the mandate to regulate broadcast content—a responsibility legally vested in the Media Council of Kenya.
At the time of the signal cutoff, NTV was broadcasting live coverage of the protests, which NMG argued was in the public interest and aligned with the people’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression.
“NMG affirms its commitment to fair, balanced, and credible journalism. Transparency and integrity are key tenets of our duty to the public, and we will not be deterred in our mission to report truthfully,” the company said.
Despite the interruption, NMG has urged viewers to continue accessing NTV Live via YouTube and social media platforms as the company seeks legal redress to restore normal broadcasting.
This development has reignited debate around media freedom in Kenya, with several industry stakeholders expected to weigh in amid growing concerns over press independence during politically charged periods.
