A middle-aged man identified as Austin John was arraigned before the Kisumu Magistrates Court on charges related to establishing and operating a radio station without a valid license.
The case was heard by Honorable Joan Wambilianga, and the prosecution, led by Nina Opiyo, Special Prosecutor Counsel (SPC), has lined up a total of nine witnesses to testify against the suspect.
A middle-aged man was today arraigned before Kisumu Magistrates Court with four counts of; establishing a radio station without a valid licence, providing radio broadcasting services without a valid licence & two other counts.#HakiNaUsawa @MoICTKenya @CA_Kenya pic.twitter.com/KyzbYrX7Pu— Office of The Director Of Public Prosecutions (@ODPP_KE) July 4, 2023
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, John was arrested for allegedly running a radio station that lacked the necessary license, as well as producing broadcast services and content without proper authorization.
According to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the accused faced four charges, including establishing a radio station without a valid license and providing radio broadcasting services without the required authorization.
During the court proceedings, John pleaded not guilty to all the charges levelled against him and was freed on a bond of Ksh100,000.
The case has been scheduled for a hearing in September 2023.
"Austin John pleaded not guilty to all four charges before Hon. Joan Wambilianga and was released on a bond of Ksh.100, 000. Prosecution led by Nina Opiyo, SPC, has lined up a total of 9 witnesses to testify on September 6, 2023," the DPP said in a statement.
CAK rules and regulations
To establish a radio station in Kenya, individuals or businesses must obtain licenses from the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK).
Licenses are categorized based on the type of radio station one intends to operate: Public Broadcasting, Commercial/Private Broadcasting Services, and Community Broadcasting Services.
The Public Broadcasting license is exclusively designated for the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), the country's only authorized public broadcaster.
Commercial/Private Broadcasting Service is for those planning to operate commercial or private radio stations. Applicants must meet specific requirements and comply with CAK regulations. Fees and conditions for commercial/private broadcasting licenses are determined by the CAK.
According to CAK, Community Broadcasting Services are reserved for non-profit organizations and community-based initiatives.
It allows for localized radio stations catering to the specific needs and interests of a particular community. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service and meet the CAK's criteria for community broadcasting.
