Matiang’i rules out digital switch deadline extension
ICT secretary Fred Matiang’i when he appeared before the National Assembly’s Energy and ICT committee in October. PHOTO | FILE
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Dr Matiang’i told the National Assembly’s committee on Energy and ICT that the December 31 deadline would not be extended and asked broadcasters to prepare for the switch from analogue to digital broadcasting.
Dr Matiang’i said the first phase of Analogue Switch-Off will begin in Nairobi and its environs on December 31 as planned.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) secretary Fred Matiang’i has ruled out any extension of the digital migration deadline, leaving the country’s three major broadcasters with 26 days to comply.
Dr Matiang’i told the National Assembly’s committee on Energy and ICT that the December 31 deadline would not be extended and asked broadcasters to prepare for the switch from analogue to digital broadcasting.
The 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-months extension to put in place the necessary infrastructure for digital migration.
While briefing the committee on the status of the digital migration and the Konza technology city, Dr Matiang’i said the first phase of Analogue Switch-Off will begin in Nairobi and its environs on December 31 as planned.
The second phase, set for February 2, 2015, will cover Mombasa, Malindi, Nyeri, Meru, Kisumu, Webuye, Kakamega, Kisii, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyahururu (Nyadundo), Machakos, Narok and Londiani (Rangai).
The minister said the third phase of the switch-off would start on March 30, 2015 and will cover Garissa, Kitui, Lodwar, Lokichogio, Kapenguria, Kabarnet, Migori, Voi (Vuria), Mbwinzau/Kibwezi, Namanga and all other remaining areas.
The minister said that the phased approach should enable broadcasting to migrate to digital platform well ahead of the international deadline of June 17 next year.
“In East Africa, Tanzania, and Rwanda have completed the migration. They too faced similar challenges but they chose to forge ahead. Kenya needs to move forward so that consumers can enjoy the full benefits of the digital broadcasting,” he told the committee chaired by Jamleck Kamau, the Kigumo MP.
MPs Jackson Kiptanui, Joe Mutambo and Njuki Muthomi expressed concerns over the availability and the cost of free-to-air set-top boxes. Dr Matiang’i said that the sale and distribution of set-top boxes is liberalised, with 61 vendors in the business.
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