Kenya launches awareness campaign ahead of December 31st analogue switch off

Digital migration awareness campaign launched ahead of December 31st switch off

The race to the December 31st analogue switch off for Nairobi and its environs began in earnest today with the launch of the digital migration consumer awareness campaign.

The event, presided over by ICT Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’í, kicked off a series of road shows, and consumer awareness activities to educate consumers on the process.

Dr. Matiang’i said that the process has been bedevilled by numerous challenges since 2009, which have provided invaluable lessons to be applied in future multi-stakeholder projects. “We have had some setbacks which occasioned slow uptake but I believe the future is now quite bright as all Kenyans are ready to fully embrace digital broadcasting. It is also evident that there has been determination amongst the players to move this process forward,” said Matiang’i.

He also urged consumers to purchase set top boxes to avoid last minute rush and the inconveniences arising from the switch off.

Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Director General Francis Wangusi stated that there will be no extension of time, since there is limited time left to the June 17, 2015 global deadline. ‘‘We have been able to negotiate and come up with consensus on many issues as was directed by the Supreme court in its ruling in November,’’ he said.

Afterwards the DG flagged off a caravan of road shows that will be tour various environs in the city.

The phased switch off will see Mombasa, Malindi, Nyeri, Meru, Kisumu, Webuye, Kakamega, Kisii, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyahururu (Nyadundo), Machakos, Narok and Londiani (Rongai) switched off on 2nd February 2015. The rest of the country shall be switched off on 30th March 2015.

The Authority has approved over 60 vendors of the gadgets, and consumers have been warned against purchasing the set top boxes from unauthorised vendors.