A viral notice claiming that Kameme FM would go off air for 30 days caused widespread confusion among listeners in June 2026. Shared extensively on Facebook, WhatsApp and X, the statement appeared to be an official announcement from Mediamax Network Limited, the company that owns Kameme FM.
The notice alleged that the station would suspend all broadcasts and digital operations from June 18 to July 17 following a directive from the Media Council of Kenya (MCK). It further claimed that the shutdown was intended to allow for internal restructuring, editorial reviews and staff training after the company allegedly received a show-cause notice from the regulator.
The message didn’t stop at Kameme FM. It also listed several other Mediamax brands, including Milele FM, Msenangu FM, Meru FM, Emoo FM, Mayian FM, K24 Digital and People Daily, suggesting they too would be affected.
Given the detailed language and use of official branding, many readers believed the announcement was genuine. In reality, it was entirely false.
The Truth Behind the Viral Notice
Kameme FM responded quickly after the document began circulating online. Through its official communication channels, the station categorically denied issuing the notice and confirmed that broadcasting would continue as normal.
The broadcaster urged listeners to ignore the circulating document, describing it as fake and warning the public against spreading misinformation. Mediamax also reaffirmed that official announcements relating to its media brands are only made through verified company platforms.
The claim was independently investigated by Africa Check, which found no evidence that Mediamax had announced a temporary shutdown or that the Media Council of Kenya had ordered Kameme FM off air. The fact-checking organisation concluded that the widely shared statement had been fabricated and that no credible sources supported its claims.
Several Kenyan news outlets reached the same conclusion after contacting the broadcaster directly. Reports confirmed that Kameme FM remained fully operational and that the alleged suspension had never been planned.
The incident highlights how easily misinformation can spread when fabricated documents imitate the branding and language of legitimate organisations. A professionally designed logo, formal wording and references to regulatory bodies can make false information appear convincing, particularly when it is shared repeatedly across social media platforms.
Why Verification Matters
False announcements involving media houses, banks, government agencies and well-known companies have become increasingly common in Kenya. Many are designed to create confusion or attract attention before the facts can be verified.
The Kameme FM incident is a reminder that significant announcements should always be confirmed through official channels before being accepted as true. If a major broadcaster were genuinely preparing to suspend operations for an entire month, the news would almost certainly appear on its official website, verified social media accounts and multiple established news organisations.
In this case, none of those indicators existed. Instead, Kameme FM immediately dismissed the notice, independent fact-checkers found no supporting evidence, and reputable media outlets confirmed that the station remained on air.
Kameme FM continues to be one of Kenya’s leading vernacular radio stations, particularly in Central Kenya, where the latest Ipsos audience figures rank it among the region’s most listened-to broadcasters. Listeners can continue enjoying the station through its regular FM frequencies and online streaming services without interruption.
The episode serves as another example of why digital literacy matters. Before forwarding screenshots or reacting to viral posts, taking a few moments to verify the source can prevent misinformation from spreading even further.
For this story, the evidence is clear: Kameme FM was never shut down, Mediamax never announced a 30-day suspension, and the viral notice was a fabrication that was quickly debunked by the broadcaster and independent fact-checkers alike.
Comentarios