The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has denied the Kiambu County government a permit to set up an FM radio station.
The county had put measures across for establishment of Kiambu FM radio station but the plan has been crippled by CA on grounds that broadcasting is not a devolved function.
“The authority has not issued any county government with broadcast frequencies for either FM or TV broadcasting. The Constitution envisaged that the provision of public broadcasting services is the role of national government since this function is not devolved,” said CA director-general Francis Wangusi in an interview with the Business Daily.
Kiambu and other 19 counties had applied to the telecoms regulator seeking FM radio broadcast bands but has been directed to use the State-controlled Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), for their communication needs.
“KBC is the media house currently charged with the responsibility of providing public broadcasting services in Kenya,” he said.
The move by CA is likely to stir a fresh storm between the national government and the devolved units as governors has promised to challenge the decision in court.
The council of governors (CoG) urgues that the law allows counties to set up and use communication platforms such as radio and television to promote public participation in matters such as planning, budget and law making.
Kiambu governor's Director of Communications, Mukami Kamau said the action by CA will hinder the masses from getting necessary information from their government.
"Many residents of Kiambu County depend on radio as the primary source of information. A county radio will impact the society in a big way due to huge following by residents for information, education and entertainment,” said Kamau.