Majority of Kakamega residents are adamant that they will stay put without watching TV until KTN, NTV and Citizen TV are returned on air by the Communications Authority (CA) following the digital shift that locked the stations out.
A survey by The Standard in the town revealed unpreparedness to invest in the set top boxes required to enable the digital shift and a condescending view people have of "buying" news as some of the factors to the TV boycott.
David Shikala a business man at Lurambi Kakamega said that he views the move by CA as backwards and smelled a rat in government compelling people to watch "preferred" channels.
"I fear that government could be returning us to the dark ages where government friendly stations were allowed on air and assertive ones which command a wide viewership and confidence of the masses are shunned. We all watched the Supreme Court rule to grant broadcast rights to KTN, Citizen and NTV why is someone defying that?” He posed.
Moses Mulimi, owner of Oasis Hotel feels his business is doomed after clients who are used to watching news at his hotel disappeared.
He feels that his satellite channel is not helping much in terms of viewership and is reviewing whether to renew subscription,
"I used to have a lot of customers who flocked this hotel especially to watch KTN and Citizen News, they are no more. Yes, I access other stations KBC and K24 but they have no news punch to maintain my clients," he said, "Today people come, eat and go without extending an eye to even watch the channels they deem alien."
Charles Atsulu a driver at the town says he is not bothered with the programs run by the stations that complied with the digital shift regulations he has reverted to radio and newspaper for news,
"I feel sick watching what doesn't please me, my TV will henceforth remain for watching movies until KTN returns to air. There is a need for serious programs from serious TV channels," he said.
Geoffrey Khasiani a bodaboda operator did not want to hear nothing on the digital shift he feels he has much to care for in form of food and shelter than TV.
Majority of residents are now waiting for the three stations to unveil their boxes. Till then they are staying put.
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