Kenya begins analogue switch-off

Kenya’s Communications Authority revealed the launch of a consumer awareness campaign ahead of the switch-off of analogue broadcasting in the Nairobi area 31 December. The regulator has urged citizens to obtain digital set-top boxes to avoid a last-minute rush after the switch-off.

CA Director General Francis Wangusi stated that there would be no extension of analogue broadcasting, as there is limited time left to the June 2015 deadline set by the ITU.

The awareness campaign is expected to see a caravan of road shows tour various environs in the city. According to Telecompaper, the phased switch to digital will see Mombasa, Malindi, Nyeri, Meru, Kisumu, Webuye, Kakamega, Kisii, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyahururu (Nyadundo), Machakos, Narok and Londiani (Rongai) stop analogue broadcasting on 2 February 2015.

The rest of the country will switch 30 March 2015. The Authority has approved over 60 vendors of digital TV receivers.

Staff Writer