Kenyan consumers have been advised against purchasing set top boxes from unauthorised vendors as the country races into the December 31st analogue switch off in order to usher in digital broadcasting in the new year.Consumers have also been urged to purchase set top boxes to avoid last minute rush and the inconveniences arising from the switch off.
The communications Authority of Kenya has this week embarked on a campaign in which it also listed over 60 approved vendors of the gadgets that will support digital broadcasting.
A statement on the Authority’s website said, the awareness campaign marked the start of the race to the December 31st analogue switch off for Nairobi and its environs.
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 added 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.
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.
