Uganda’s National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has strongly criticized the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) for its decision to shut down free-to-air signals of Kenya’s major television stations, citing it as a direct assault on press freedom and democratic integrity. The condemnation follows a controversial directive issued by CA on June 25, 2025, instructing all broadcasters to halt live coverage of nationwide protests that erupted during commemorative demonstrations.
In a statement released hours after the enforcement of the directive, NAB expressed “deep concern” over what it termed as undue censorship, calling the CA’s move a violation of Articles 33 and 34 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and media independence. “Media freedom is a bedrock of democracy,” the association stated, “and undue interference with it is an attack on people’s fundamental human rights.”
Despite the CA’s claim that the coverage violated constitutional clauses and the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, several broadcasters defied the directive, referencing a 2023 court ruling that nullified the Authority’s mandate to halt live broadcasts. In a swift and unprecedented move, CA officials, flanked by police officers, stormed the Limuru transmission station and switched off the signals of Citizen TV, NTV, and KTN. The blackout remains in effect even after Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued a conservatory order directing the immediate restoration of the signals.
NAB has urged Kenyan authorities to respect judicial authority and uphold the principles of free expression, warning that continued suppression could erode public trust, silence dissenting voices, and set a dangerous precedent for the region. The association concluded by calling for dialogue and solidarity across East Africa to safeguard media freedom, especially during pivotal moments of civic engagement.
