By OKUTTAH MARK
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.
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