High Court dismisses Communications Authority directive banning live broadcast of protests

The High Court has quashed a directive issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) that sought to bar media houses from broadcasting protests live.

Justice John Chigiti ruled that the directive was illegal and unconstitutional, noting that it violated fundamental freedoms, including the right to information and media freedom as protected under the Constitution.

The decision follows a petition filed by the Katiba Institute, which challenged the legality of CA’s move, arguing that the authority acted outside its mandate and attempted to unlawfully restrict press freedoms.

In his judgment, the judge emphasized that any limitation on media operations must comply with constitutional standards and cannot be imposed arbitrarily.

The ruling now allows media houses to continue airing live coverage of protests without interference from the CA.

"The application has merit, as a result of which I issue orders as follows: an order bringing to this court quashing the decision of the Communication Authority dated June 25,2025. An order of prohibition is issued barring the respondent from implementing the decision dated June 25,2025," the court ruled.