The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) together with law enforcement agencies, has executed warrants to search and subsequently impounded equipment used to transmit unauthorized radio broadcast frequencies by six FM stations in Nyaza.
The stations, namely , Ugwe FM in Rongo Town (97.1Mhz), Radio Faith FM in Oyugis Town (94.1Mhz), Radio Pacho in Siaya Town (88.1Mhz), Sunset Radio in Homa Bay Town (94.9 Mhz), Milambo FM in Migori Town (95.9 Mhz) and Ekialo Kiona in Mfangano Island (99.3Mhz) are said to be operating illegally in Nyanza.
According to the CAK, The broadcast transmitters being used by these radio stations had been installed, without the required licences, an act that is considered deliberate breach of the law.
In section 30 of the Kenya Information and Communications Amendment Act, 2013, set up and operation of communications apparatus without authorization from the Authority is considered illegal. The law also prohibits the establishment or use of any radio communication station or apparatus unless issued with the relevant licence from CAK.
The Authority says it has received several complaints from other broadcasters with respect to interferences to their stations. In some instances, the interferences had been so intense that the services of other broadcasters using duly authorized frequencies had been rendered completely inoperable.
The Authority has executed the search warrants with sole focus on the six unauthorized FM broadcast frequencies in use in Nyanza Region.
‘’The Authority takes cognizance of the need to mitigate the severe implications that arise from illegal use of frequencies in order to safeguard the safety and integrity of our airspace, and protection of investments in the ICT sector.’’ CAK Director Francis Wangusi said in a statement.
The warrants to search and impound the six stations equipments were executed on 9th and 10th April 2015.
