After its launch in 1990, KTN used to rebroadcast programming from CNN International,[3] MTV Europe and other European, American and Australian television channels, in addition to TV networks from other African states.

KANU functionaries are said to have frequently called the newsroom and editors on behalf of the president of Kenya,[citation needed] Daniel arap Moi, in order to censor news stories.

As vice-president, Daniel arap Moi had grown used to make regular calls to the offices of The Standard which was foreign-owned at that time, and to other media outlets, to demand that they drop stories or modify them.

[5] In October 1993 security officers boarded a commercial airliner, seized the passport of KTN Director Jared Kangwana, and prevented him from departing on a business trip.

Kangwana said that the act was part of a government intimidation campaign to force him to relinquish control of KTN to the then-ruling party, KANU.