Setting up a media company in Kenya involves navigating a detailed legal and regulatory process, from business registration to securing licenses from the relevant authorities.
Kenya’s media space is tightly governed by law, and aspiring media owners must comply with requirements set out in the Companies Act, 2015, the Media Council Act, 2013, the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, and the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
This article explains how to register and license a media company in Kenya, from securing a company name to applying for a broadcasting license and meeting compliance obligations.
How to Apply for the Media License
Applicants must first register a company under the Companies Act, 2015, to ensure the business has legal recognition.
The next step is to conduct a name search and reservation on the government’s eCitizen portal to ensure the preferred name is available.
Once reserved, the company founders prepare documents such as the Memorandum and Articles of Association, details of directors and shareholders, the company’s physical address, and a statement of nominal capital.
CR1 (Company Registration Form), CR2 (Memorandum of a Company with Share Capital), and CR8 (Notice of Residential Address of Directors) forms must be filled out and submitted online.
After payment of registration fees, successful applicants receive a Certificate of Incorporation, which formally establishes the company.
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Accreditation by the Media Council of Kenya
Anyone who wants to operate as a media house must be accredited by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to ensure the company meets professional standards of journalism and editorial independence.
Applicants provide their Certificate of Incorporation, details of the editorial team, and pay the accreditation fees prescribed under the Media Council Act, 2013.
On the other hand, for companies intending to broadcast, whether through radio, television, or digital platforms, a license from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) is mandatory.
The CAK regulates frequencies, transmission, and content distribution, and issues licenses under the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.
Applicants must submit an application form, provide technical specifications of their broadcasting equipment, and pay licensing fees.
Cost of Different Types of Licenses
The cost varies depending on the type of broadcasting service.
For example, according to the official Broadcasting Services Market Structure and Fee Schedule (2018).
A commercial free-to-air television or radio license requires an application fee of Ksh5,000, an initial license fee of Ksh100,000, and an annual operating fee equivalent to 0.4% of annual turnover or Ksh80,000, whichever is higher.
However, community free-to-air radio attracts lower fees, with an application cost of Ksh1,000, an initial fee of Ksh15,000, and an annual operating fee of the same amount.
More advanced services, such as subscription broadcasting (cable, satellite, or IP broadcasting), also fall under this framework, with annual fees pegged at 0.4% of turnover or Ksh80,000 minimum.
Licenses are usually valid for 10 years, except for signal distribution licenses, which can run up to 15 years.
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Other Legal Obligations
A media company must comply with a range of additional laws.
All businesses must register with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN), and enroll for VAT where applicable.
On labor compliance, employers must draft contracts in line with the Employment Act, 2007, covering minimum wage, working hours, and benefits.
Additionally, the Data Protection Act, 2019 requires media houses to protect the personal data they collect and process, with strict penalties for breaches.
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