Analogue switch off set to begin

Kenyans have been asked to buy set top boxes ahead of the three-phase switch to digital broadcasting.

Communications Authority of Kenya Director General Francis Wangusi said there are a million such gadgets in the market.

“Statistics from vendors on stock levels of set top boxes indicate there are enough gadgets sufficient to meet the short-term demand,” he said.

He said the average price for the devices has come down to about Sh3,000.

The plea came yesterday as it emerged that the migration from analogue to digital broadcasting will be implemented in three phases starting with Nairobi on December 31.

The second and third phases have been planned to kick off in February and March next year.

Analogue signals in Mombasa, Malindi, Nyeri, Meru, Kisumu, Webuye, Kakamega, Kisii, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyahururu (Nyadundo), Machakos, Narok and Londiani shall be switched off in February 2, 2015. Garissa, Kitui, Lodwar, Lokichogio, Kapenguria, Kabarnet, Migori, Voi, Kibwezi, Namanga shall migrate in March 30, 2015.

Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication Technology, Fred Matiang'i, also urged Kenyans to buy the devices to avoid being locked out.

He said the roll out plan follows extensive consultation between key stakeholders.

“This has been a long and contracted process but one which we have no choice to embrace given the global digital migration of June 2015,” said Dr Matiang'i.

MoA chairman, who is also the Standard Group CEO Sam Shollei, representatives of Royal Media Services and Nation Media Group were present at the press briefing.

Matiang'i regretted that Kenya, which is an ICT leader in the region has lagged behind neighbouring countries in implementing digital migration.

Wangusi attributed the false start to court battles. “Tanzania and Rwanda have long completed digital migration,” he said.