The Standard Group PLC has pushed back strongly against the tribunal ruling allowing the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to revoke its licences, accusing the government of double standards by pursuing Ksh 48.9 million in regulatory fees while owing the media house over Ksh 1.2 billion for advertising and media services rendered by various state agencies.
The company argues that the financial strain caused by unpaid government bills has crippled its ability to meet regulatory obligations, terming it unjust for the same state to demand payment while failing to settle its own dues.
The media house has also vowed to challenge the ruling in higher courts, insisting that any move to shut down its stations before the appeal is heard would be unlawful and an attack on press freedom, warning that the action sends a chilling signal to independent media.