Kenya to switch to digital TV by 2012, says Information Minister

[BGonaSTICK]

On 17th June 2015 it will be mandatory that all TV stations in Kenya switch analogue to the new digital broadcasting format. Information and Broadcasting minister Mutahi Kagwe made this announcement when he received a report from a task force mandated to strategize on Kenya’s migration from Analogue to digital transmission. The taskforce was appointed by the ministry of Information in March this year to prepare the report.

Among the Key issues proposed and recommended was the adoption of a standard signal distribution infrastructure where all broadcasters will share infrastructure, second was content issue where the force proposed that the Film department mandate be extended to develop local content for the broadcasting industry. The third issue was policy where a body was recommended to coordinate the transition process and consumer education.

TV viewers and radio listeners shall require new receiving equipment to access broadcasts. Kagwe said consumer education was paramount in order to give a window of understanding on the importance of a digital platform, impending change and the efficiency of digital platform. He said the benefits of digital transmission will be enormous and will see serious competition among broadcasting stations following a proliferation of TV channels and value additions in terms of programming.

It is for this reason that the taskforce proposed early transition by June 2012. Kagwe said the government will provide a calendar for the changes.

Source: Kenya Broadcasting Corporation via Media Network Weblog