Isaac Ruto leads governors in criticising decision to switch off analogue television signals

Isaac Ruto

Council of Governors (CoG) chairman Isaac Ruto  has censured the Government over the analogue switch-off.

He said a peaceful country relies on free media coverage and “what is happening now, in the pretext of digital migration, is the wrong way to go”.

The Bomet Governor said muzzling of the press is a recipe for chaos and should be avoided at all costs as it creates room for speculation and is a is threat to the security of the country.

“Countries that attempted to muzzle the media like Syria, Libya, Egypt and Yemen have ended up not being peaceful. Moving forward, and to avoid destruction, we must have a vibrant media, free from Government control,” he stressed.

Governor Ruto said private media is the alternative voice for Wanjiku, especially where the Opposition is not very effective.

He was in agreement with the three big TV stations that none has declined to migrate to the digital platform but the process has been hastened, giving them little option.

“The media houses have what it takes to champion this process in a smooth manner and in the right direction,” he said.

He further questioned the move by the Government to turn East in implementing this project.

“We call on the Government to relax, and get all players in this sector on board. Kenya is not the first country to discover the East. Delaying the digital migration  three to four months will not cause any harm,” he said.

He expressed concern over the issuance of a licence to Pang, a Chinese firm, at the expense of local investors.

He cautioned that attempts to give preference to the East will render some local institutions redundant.

Ruto emphasised that the media industry is critical in managing the affairs of any developing nation.

“It is shocking to see the Kenyan TV channels off. Kenyans especially at the grassroots rely on TV viewership to get information on current affairs, development in their counties and skills on how to improve the economy,” he stated.

Standard Group Chief Executive Officer Sam Shollei faulted the Government on the management of the digital migration, which he said was not done well.

“Kenyans have been kept in the dark following the analogue switch-off despite a plea by three media houses to engage in further consultations to reach a consensus on a smooth transition process,” said the Chairman of the Media Owners Association (MOA).

He added: “The process is about the people transiting from analogue platform to digital space. The interest of the viewers should have been considered.”

Shollei affirmed that if the Government engaged in this matter without conditions and acted in good faith, there would not be any acrimony among the major players as is being witnessed now.

The CEO, who had visited the council, stressed the importance of partnership between the counties and the media in fostering development.

He said the strategic direction the counties, including Bomet, had taken to spearhead the transformative agenda was important and timely.

He recognised the strides made by county governments in various sectors like health, agriculture, youth and women empowerment and infrastructure development, among others.

“The massive work done in the counties in terms of development is evident. Lives are being transformed and we are confident more project are still in the pipeline,” said Shollei.

Ruto said the media had played a major role in informing Kenyans on the achievements of devolution.

“We are motivated from the articles published or aired and utilise the insights provided to better our counties,” he said.