Spain has loaned Kenya US$13.9mn to facilitate digital migration in the country with a deadline of 13 December 2013
The funding will be used to convert selected sites to the terrestrial platform using the recommended land-based infrastructure on the DVB-T2 platform, which transmits compressed digital audio, video and other data.
Government officials have said that beyond facilitating digital migration in 10 sites, the funding will increase the reach of national broadcaster, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.
The 10 sites are Garissa, Kitui, Lamu, Lodwar and Lokichogio in Turkana County, Maralal in Samburu County, Marsabit, Mbui Nzau in Makueni County, Narok, and Wajir.
Government officials stated that the country required more than four million set-top boxes to move to digital broadcasting.
Demand for compliant televisions sets has also risen as Nairobi residents move quickly to beat the deadline.
“This demand is particularly pronounced on the specific models that now come fully loaded with an inbuilt Digital Tuner, thus saving the customer the need to buy a set top box,” said Atul Shah of Nakumatt Holdings.
Mwangi Mumero
