Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am gratified to join you for the launch of Digital Television Broadcasting in Kenya. This is an important event that will take our country to the next level in broadcasting.

It is worth noting that on the African continent, only South Africa has fully embarked on the transition from the analogue system, partly driven by the fact that the FIFA World Cup is being held in that country next year.

The International Telecommunications Union requires that all nations in the world migrate to digital broadcasting by TWENTY FIFTEEN. I am pleased to inform you that the Kenya Government’s target is to ensure full migration by TWENTY TWELVE. Today we are launching Phase One of the transition to Digital Television Broadcasting, covering Nairobi and its environs, among them Kajiado, Machakos, Naivasha and Murang’a.

The migration to Digital Television Broadcasting will come at a cost, rendering some older TV sets obsolete. It will also require owners of non-digital colour TV sets to acquire converter boxes. In order to mitigate the costs of the transition, I am directing both the Ministers for Finance and for Information and Communications to find means of providing tax relief for importation of this new technology so as to make it more affordable for wananchi. This will ensure that many Kenyans continue enjoying their favorite television programmes. Additionally, I am also directing the Ministry of Information and Communications to educate Kenyans on the Digital Television Broadcasting process to make it more understandable by Kenyans. It is important that Kenyans are made aware of the benefits of digital broadcasting. Some of the benefits include superior image and sound clarity, interactive communication, and data broadcasting. Moreover, there will be the freeing up of more frequencies and increased opportunities for innovation and creativity.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

There are many Kenyan investors who are waiting to be allocated frequencies. We have applications for 60 TV licenses and more than 150 for FM radio. Currently this demand cannot be met. With the migration to digital broadcasting, it will now be possible to award new licenses, increasing choice and giving more room to a broader democratic space. The launch of the new digital system will open up more frequencies in ways that will enable more players to come on board. It will now be possible to have channels dedicated to Youth, Sports, Education, Tourism, Science and Culture.

Since there will be a huge increase in the number of broadcast channels, the challenge of lack of adequate local productions should be addressed. In this regard, I am directing the Ministry of Information and Communications to establish mechanisms for innovative local programs that will promote our national values and culture. Our uniquely Kenyan heritage, cultural and traditional values must not be overtaken by external ideals. The Ministry should also explore ways and means of involving the youth in producing local programs as a means of wealth creation. I am pleased to note that the number of local television programmes on the national broadcaster, KBC as well as on other television stations has increased tremendously. This is a step in the right direction and must be encouraged.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

You will recall that in 2003, the Government’s priority was to lay the foundation for economic and technological growth. This entailed moving rapidly from an agriculture-based national economy to an industrial and service-driven economy. I am happy that significant milestones have been realized in the I.C.T. sector over the past six years. I.C.T. is facilitating job and wealth creation, driving both innovation and prosperity. Currently, the sector contributes about 2.8 per cent of G.D.P. We envisage this to rise to 8 per cent by the year TWENTY TWELVE, bringing tremendous benefits to our country.

As I have pointed out before, I.C.T. must be seen as a key pillar in the fight against poverty. The proper and well-planned usage of new technology will no doubt be of great benefit to Kenyans. The Government has played its part in terms of creating the enabling environment for the I.C.T. sector to thrive as a key driver of the new economy. We want Kenyans to benefit from new technologies while at the same time ensuring that the I.C.T. sector develops in a harmonized and structured manner. To this end, the migration to Digital Television Broadcasting should be driven by the need to expand services to all Kenyans. The Government is committed to facilitating the installation of the necessary infrastructure required for the new digital system.

In conclusion, let me also emphasize that the Government is committed to giving the private sector the space to exploit the power of digital technology. The Government will however ensure that the public interest is secured. We will continue to make certain that valuable public broadcasting frequencies are put to good use by broadcasters. Indeed, the expansion of the broadcasting arena must also be matched by responsible action by all players. We must use the expanded broadcasting space to build on our national unity and expound on the development agenda. Let us always remember that the expanded media freedom must never be used to undermine our sense of nationhood as underscored in our national anthem - ‘may we dwell in unity, peace and liberty.’

With these remarks it is now my pleasure to declare the migration to Digital Television Broadcasting in Kenya officially launched.

Thank You and God Bless You All.