ICT Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has pledged to address the issues raised by stakeholders. Photo/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 4 – The government says the date for digital TV migration in Nairobi remains December 13 unless a meeting set for later this month agrees otherwise.
Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Technology Fred Matiang’i says no firm decision has been made despite earlier indication that the date had been moved to June 2014.
“We have agreed that we will meet on the 30th of November to review the position but the date remains as gazetted because for us to change the date, we need to rescind the earlier one,” he pointed out.
“There are various views that have been raised and as a ministry we continue to have conversations with Kenyans from various walks of life on this matter.”
The Media Owners Association has opposed the December 13 date and wanted a change to June 2014 which the government appeared to agree to at a recent meeting at State House.
On Monday, Matiang’i assured that the government would ensure a smooth digital migration across the country.
“That requires we have constant conversation with all stakeholders,” he said.
The International Telecommunications Union 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. Decoders that are compliant with MPEG 4 DVB-T2 standard will also be used.
The Communications Commission of Kenya 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.
