Kenyan Court Blocks Government Directive to Cut Media Kenya’s High Court has issued an urgent conservatory order suspending a directive from the Communications Authority that would have restricted media coverage of public demonstrations, following a constitutional challenge filed by the Law Society of Kenya. The legal challenge comes amid concerns that cutting off media and internet access would plunge the country into an information blackout, potentially worsening unrest and eroding public trust, according to court documents dated June 25, 2025.
Justice E.C. Mwita at Milimani High Court granted the interim relief after determining that the petition raised fundamental constitutional questions about potential violations of the Bill of Rights, particularly regarding freedom of expression and media access. The court ordered all parties to file and serve responses within three days, with directions scheduled for July 2, 2025. The case directly challenges Communication Authority directive REF No. CA/CE/BC/TV90A, which would have affected television broadcasts and radio stations’ ability to cover demonstrations.
The conservatory order also suspends any broadcasting signals that may have been switched off as a result of the contested directive, with immediate effect pending further court orders
