Information Secretary Ezekiel Mutua said the Media Owners Association presented a strong petition against the December 13 switch-off in Nairobi which they said is unfeasible/FILE
Information Secretary Ezekiel Mutua said the Media Owners Association presented a strong petition against the December 13 switch-off in Nairobi which they said is unfeasible.
“We expect to have another meeting this Thursday where a decision on the change will be made but the date will definitely change,” Mutua told Capital FM News.
It’s understood the MOA is pushing for a June date when the switch will be initiated in Nairobi, before it is rolled out to other parts of the country.
The Communications Commission of Kenya had set a December 13 deadline for Nairobi to make the switch.
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) resolution requires all member states to migrate by June 17, 2015.
It had been expected that Mombasa, Malindi, Nyeri, Meru, Kisumu, Webuye, Kisii, Nakuru and Eldoret would make the switch on March 30 next year.
TV users are required to purchase set-top boxes in the remaining three months.
Decoders that are compliant with MPEG 4 DVB-T2 standard will also be used.
CCK says the digital migration will provide the country with digital dividends which will accommodate other service arising from emerging technological developments.
Users will also be able to enjoy a wider choice of programmes, and also allow for a diversity and plurality of content on the platforms.
The government in 2012 waived import duty on set top boxes to encourage more importation of the gadgets.
Currently, 26 models of set top boxes have been type-approved.
Members of the public have been urged to only purchase compliant set top boxes.
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