Kenya’s majority not ready for Analogue switch-off: Digital Migration Survey shows

Last Updated 13 years ago by Kenya Engineer

The digital migration for Nairobi and its environs is set for the 13th of this month but according to a Digital Migration Survey Report for Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) conducted by Infotrak a majority (64%) of the survey respondents would prefer CCK to effect switch-off of analogue TV signals in June 2014. Only 27% of respondents indicated preference for the December 2013 digital TV migration deadline.

According to the report, the readiness for digital TV migration was highest among the wealthy and highly educated. On the other hand, nearly half (48%) of the low income group are not ready for digital TV migration.

Digital TV migration is not a priority to majority of Nairobi residents. In terms of household budgetary priorities, a majority (58%) of the survey respondents would place digital TV migration as low when compared to other needs like food, rent and transport.

The current price of Set Top Boxes is unaffordable to many. A majority (53%) of the survey respondents (especially the poor) would prefer the Set Top Boxes to be priced at KSh 1000 or below.

TV (at 46%) came out as the most preferred channel of communication for receiving consumer education on the digital TV migration process. It is followed by Swahili radio stations (21%) and vernacular radio stations (11%) which are mainly preferred by those with low levels of education.

When asked to rate the performance of the Ministry and the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK’s) in handling the digital TV migration process , majority (63%) of the survey respondents rated the Ministry at below 50% and  majority (65%) of the survey respondents rated the CCK at below 50% .

DSTV is the most preferred service provider among the surveyed respondents, with preference score of 39%. GoTV is the second most preferred service provider at 25%. Star Times was rated as the worst service provider at 19%. Following in sequence is Zuku 13%, GoTV at 10%, with Signet and DSTV both scoring 9%.

A majority (58%) of the survey respondents were of the view that the third digital TV signal distribution license should be awarded to Media Owners Association but through a competitive process. 

Earlier this week, CCK had written to all Kenyan media houses reminding them to switch off their analogue frequencies by midnight on December 13.

“Further to the Kenya gazette notice No.13869, dated 1 October 2013 and published on 18 October 2013 the commission requires and reminds you to cease transmitting from your analogue television channel XX transmitters located in Limuru by 2359hrs of 13 December 2013 and migrate to the digital platform,” said CCK director general,  Francis Wangusi in the statement.

Last month, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology, Dr. Fred Matiang’i confirmed in a statement that the analogue switch-off deadline for Nairobi and its environs remains 13th December 2013 with effects to the impression created in late October that the deadline had been moved to June 2014.