Economy

CS: No change in Kenya’s digital migration date

ICT Secretary Fred Matiang’i has insisted the December 31 deadline to switch to digital TV signals will not be pushed forward despite the call for a four-month extension by the country’s three leading media houses.

Dr Matiang’i said this while launching a consumer awareness campaign Monday, urging all stake holders to support the initiative. He said Kenya has already dragged out implementation for too long with numerous court cases.

Kenya intends to implement the digital migration in three phases starting with Nairobi, where the switchover is slated for December 31 this year.

However, Nation Media Group, Standard Group and Royal Media Services, which engaged the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) in a protracted legal suit against the switch-off of their broadcasting services, have sought a further four-month extension to put in place the infrastructure needed.

“We are happy that we have reached a consensus today and that digital migration will begin in earnest,” Dr Matiang’i said. “We want to provide an opportunity for choice and variety and the 31 December deadline remains.”

The second phase, set to roll out February 2, 2015, will cover Mombasa, Malindi, Nyeri, Meru, Kisumu, Webuye, Kakamega, Kisii, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyahururu, Machakos, Narok and Londiani. The third phase starts on March 30, 2015 and will cover Garissa, Kitui, Lodwar, Lokichoggio, Kapenguria, Kabarnet, Migori, Voi, Mbwinzau/Kibwezi, Namanga and other remaining areas.