State will comply with court verdict, says Cabinet Secretary

Kenya: The Government has promised to abide by the Supreme Court's decision on digital migration.

Information Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i said his ministry will fully comply with the ruling and collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure a speedy implementation of the digital migration process ahead of the June 2015 global deadline.

The CS who held a press briefing moments after the court delivered its verdict said the Government would work consultatively to ensure that a new, clear and final digital migration timetable is developed within the next 90 days as directed by the Supreme Court.

"It has been a long journey but we are confident that with all efforts pooled together, it will not be too long before Kenyans begin to enjoy the full benefits of digital broadcasting. It is now time to focus on how we can grow a dynamic broadcasting industry in the new digital environment," Matiang'i said.

The CS who was accompanied by officials from his ministry and Communication Authority of Kenya said migration to digital platform will enable Kenyans to enjoy the benefits envisaged, which include high quality audio and video television reception, a variety of enhanced broadcasting applications, multimedia data and entertainment services as well as additional programme channels. "We have lost so much time through litigation on a matter we could have finalised through consultation. As from now, we shall be making public our consultations with other stakeholders in the media industry," he said.

He added that his ministry would engage all stakeholders so as to develop joint strategies to drive migration towards analogue signal switch-off in the shortest time possible. He said one of the Government's key priority is to engage content providers.