NTV, KTN Taken Off Air Over Live Protest Coverage

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has switched off the free-to-air signals for NTV and KTN, effectively taking the two stations off air for defying an order to stop broadcasting live coverage of the June 25 Gen Z protest anniversary.

In separate statements, both media houses confirmed that the shutdown was linked to their continued airing of the demonstrations, despite CA’s directive to halt such coverage.

NTV reported that its Limuru transmission station had been interfered with, although the station remains live on its social media platforms, including YouTube. KTN also confirmed that while their broadcast signal had been deactivated, viewers could still follow the live coverage on its YouTube channel and social media pages.

Citizen TV has not yet been taken off air, but the station shared a video showing CA officials arriving at its Limuru transmission station, signaling that a shutdown may be imminent.

The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) ealier condemned CA’s for banning airing of live protets, calling them illegal, unconstitutional, and a direct attack on press freedom. In a statement issued Wednesday, KEG President Zubeidah Kananu said the CA directive violated Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution, which protect freedom of expression and media independence.

“Live, factual reporting by licensed media is not a threat, it’s a civic duty,” Kananu said, criticizing the Authority for misapplying constitutional provisions meant to prevent hate speech and incitement.

KEG also referenced a 2023 High Court ruling in the case of Kenya Editors’ Guild & Others v CA & Others, which barred the Authority from interfering with live broadcasts by media houses. The Guild said CA’s actions amount to contempt of court and an abuse of power.

The directive and shutdowns come as thousands of Kenyans, especially youth, returned to the streets to mark one year since the deadly 2024 Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill, where Parliament was stormed and many lives were lost.

KEG has called for the immediate lifting of the broadcast ban and full adherence to the court order. The Guild is also urging Parliament and the Judiciary to investigate the CA’s conduct to protect media freedom and uphold constitutional rights.

“Silencing live reporting weakens democratic checks and erodes public trust in institutions,” KEG warned, pledging support for legal action against CA’s decision.